Dear Editor,
Guyana’s leading businessman, enterprise developer, entrepreneur who worked most of his life in Guyana’s development is very worried about the future of the sugar industry which employs more than 20,000 workers and shaped the lives of almost fifty per cent of Guyanese.
Dr Yesu Persaud blamed both the PNC and the PPP administrations for the downfall of the industry and stressed that unless urgent steps are taken to prevent the slippery slope, sugar will be doomed and so would be the lives of tens of thousands.
Speaking at the launching of his book Reaching for the Stars in Queens New York on Saturday night, the emotional Dr Persaud urged Guyanese to work harder for success, but at the same time to give back to society and assist the needy.
The 85-year-old rose from the level of estate boy who grew up in an estate logie to become Head of the Demerara Group of Companies, a commercial bank, and the Institute of Private Development (IPED), a billion dollar organization, which is assisting small businessmen and women.
Praise was showered on Dr Persaud by the various speakers, including Dr Tyran Ramnarine, Rev Seopaul Singh, historian Dr Basdeo Mangru and others, for his humility and his remarkable contribution to the Guyanese society. Despite his age the entrepreneur is busy in business, banking, enterprise development, public service and philanthropy.
Ian McDonald who wrote the Foreward said, “Yesu may well be the most respected man in Guyana.” He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Warwick University and the University of the West Indies, the Glory of India Award and Certficate of Excellence and several others.
I was among several artists and writers and members of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) who attended the function.
The first volume of his book is now on sale and the second is expected to be out early next year.
Yours faithfully,
Oscar Ramjeet
