The Bar Council of the Guyana Bar Association yesterday mourned the passing of retired Justice Prem Persaud on Sunday.
In a statement it said that Persaud was a legal tower who made everlasting strides along the physical and legal landscape of Guyana.
It noted that Justice Persaud joined the legal profession in Guyana in 1960 after qualifying in the United Kingdom. His was a career of service to the legal profession, first as a Magistrate in the then British Guiana. The next step in the career of Justice Persaud was to the High Court as a Puisne Judge in 1986.
After serving as a High Court Judge for several years, and Chief Justice for a short period, Justice Persaud was appointed a Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Guyana. As a Justice of Appeal, he delivered several landmark judgments in various areas of the law which will continue to guide lawyers and judges alike, the statement said.
Upon his retirement from the Court of Appeal, Persaud served in several posts continuing his journey of service to Guyana. The posts included Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, a member of the Judicial Service Commission, Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition Board, and head of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited.
Justice Persaud was the father of Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud.
President Irfaan Ali expressed condolences on Sunday night.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of Justice (rt’d) Prem Persaud.
“Justice Prem Persaud had a long and fulfilling career as a judge. After retiring, he agreed to continue in public service as the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission and as a member of the Judicial Service Commission.
“Justice Persaud was a highly respected member of the Bench and his passing is a loss for the country’s legal profession”.
