Former Region Six Chairman and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart Rohit Persaud died yesterday.
He was in his 80s.
As news of his passing spread, Persaud was remembered as a man with a modest lifestyle who sought to represent the will of the people.
Former President Donald Ramotar said Persaud’s passing was a great loss to the PPP as he was there from its formation. He noted that throughout Persaud’s political career he worked for the people and was an ardent supporter of the late President Cheddi Jagan’s vision.
“He was outstanding in his own way and many people today do not know of his contributions and [the] important role he played in the country’s history but he was there right next to the late Cheddi Jagan. They were extremely close…,” he told this newspaper.
Ramotar added that much can be said of Persaud’s life as he has lived a full one, most of which was spent engaged in political work.
“He stood foot to foot with the party. In the post-independence period, when loyalty was most needed, he was there and brave the persecution. He was fortunate to be one of those people who knew comrade Cheddi intimately…,” Ramotar said.
He remembered Persaud as a man who was not afraid to be brutally frank with others and while many were upset he ensured that the objectives of the party were achieved.
“He was a man of integrity and honesty. At a time when there were many scandals and slander of corruption against many members of the party while in government, not a single finger was pointed in his direction,” the former Head of State said as he expressed condolences to Persaud’s family.
Persaud served as head of the Region Six Regional Democratic Council for just over two terms and had assumed the position in 1992 after the PPP got into government.
Current Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that up to a month ago, Persaud made contact with his office offering advice and checking in on the management of regional issues.
“He was a great comrade and it is sad that we have lost him… every now and again he will call to find out what is happening and how we are managing… he continued to monitor what was unfolding in the region,” Armogan explained.
Former Minister of Local Government and fellow party member Ganga Persaud, in a Facebook post, said, “A faithful, dedicated and committed comrade has bid farewell to the remaining members of the People’s Progressive Party, WPO and PYO.
“Comrade Rohit Persaud was the first Regional Chairman for Region 6, after the holding of the first democratic General and Regional elections in Guyana, post-independence. This comrade united with so many others in the fight and struggle to regain democracy in Guyana.
“I was fortunate to have met this exceptional comrade on many occasions and I am very grateful to him for his advice, guidance and encouragement”.
