Guyanese Businessman and Philanthropist Yesu Persaud Dies at 93
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Dr. Irfaan Ali has described prominent businessman, and cultural icon, Yesu Persaud, as a true son of the soil” following his death on Monday, hours after being discharged from hospital.
Yesu Persaud (photo courtesy of Newsroom Guyana)Ali in a message posted on his Facebook page, said that he had been informed of the death of the 93 year-old businessman.
“Guyana has lost an outstanding soul in Dr. Yesu Persaud, a true son of the soil. It is with great sadness I learnt, moments ago, about his passing. To his family, friends, management and staff of DDL and Demerara Bank, and the wider Private sector, I join with you in prayers at this time. May his soul find eternal peace,” Dr Ali wrote.
DDL executive chairman, Komal Samaroo, said that Persaud , who was also a chartered accountant, “made an outstanding contribution and has left a huge legacy.”
Persaud has been described here as an iconic private sector leader in the manufacturing, banking, small business, education and Indian cultural development.
He had spearheaded the buyout of the then state-owned Guyana Distillers Limited and transformed it into an internationally acclaimed rum producer and is also credited with the formation of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development which provides loans to micro and medium entrepreneurs.
Persaud was also a trustee of the Caribbean Latin American Action (CLAA) that looks after the interest of the Caribbean and Latin American countries and also a past chairman of the West Indies Spirits Producers Association which is one of the oldest organizations in the region.
Nationally, he has been awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement for his works in developing and expanding the Distilling Industry in Guyana and the Cacique Crown of Honour for the development of new industries.
Persaud has also received several awards including the Pepsi Cola International-Slice, the Gandhi Organization Plaque, the inaugural Indo Male Lifetime Award and the Glory of India Award and Certificate of Excellence.
