PRESS RELEASE
The High Commission of India in Georgetown joins the sisters and brothers of Guyana in sharing their grief on the sad demise of the highly respected Dr. Yesu Persaud, an illustrious son and an outstanding businessman of Guyana. The High Commission also conveys condolences to his family, friends and all Guyanese citizens in Guyana and abroad on this great loss to Guyana as a Nation and to the society.
High Commissioner of India, H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa fondly recalled that Dr. Yesu Persaud was a well known and a distinguished personality in Guyana. “His life is the best example and a model to follow, how a person from humble beginnings could make phenomenal rise and become Guyana’s leading businessmen and a highly respected individual, solely through his hard work. A true testimony of the heights to which determination can propel humans, the Dr Yesu Persaud story is nothing short of impressing with him being honoured for his outstanding contributions, business and philanthropy, in Guyana and abroad”. Dr. Yesu Persaud, popularly known as the “El Dorado Man” was also the force behind the creation of the Institute for Private Enterprise Development and founder of Guyana’s first indigenous bank, Demerara Bank Limited. He is described as an innovative leader and results focused person. His work spans many continents, two centuries and several successful business ventures, while his civic and philanthropic work has been and continues to be highly impactful.
High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa also reminisced that in 2006, the Government of India honoured him with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for his outstanding contributions to business and Indian history and culture. Dr. Persaud is a founding member of the Indian Arrival Committee. He is one of the main persons responsible for creating the Monument Garden which marks the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers to Guyana in 1838. He is one of the founder members and life member of the Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). The Indian diaspora in Guyana has been playing a crucial role in the economic, political and social development of the country. The Indian Commemorative Trust led by Dr Yesu Persaud has been contributing immensely to the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian Diaspora community in Guyana. India is very proud of the achievements by the Indo-Guyanese Diaspora and their role in the development of Guyana. While India is celebrating its 75th Independence Anniversary India@75 from March 2021 to August 2023 as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Government of India greatly values and recognizes the contribution of distinguished personalities like Dr. Yesu Persaud for his outstanding role in the development of the Indian diaspora and Indian culture in Guyana.
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17 January 2021
