Dr. Yesu Persaud, an icon in business and philanthropy, Thursday evening railed against the country’s politicians, expressing frustration that the country has not developed despite its rich natural resource; he expressed doubt too that the oil fortunes will trickle down to the people.
He was at the time speaking at the 25th-anniversary celebration of Kaieteur News, held at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.
He said for a small population like Guyana there should not be any need for politicians.
Dr. Persaud said the country has to move away from segmentation and racism and start living up to its motto.
“Do you need politicians? What are they doing for you the people?” Dr. Persaud questioned. He said there is a duty and responsibility that needs to be carried out for the people of Guyana.
“…children here and those yet to come, we owe them a responsibility, a responsibility of providing to ensure this country develops.”
According to Dr. Persaud, Guyana is the least developed of all developing countries, and this should not be, given country’s resources.
“You’re hearing of these trillions of dollars to come from the oil rush, is it going to be used and how it is going to be used, will the people participate?”
Dr. Persaud referred to a section of the population that is suffering. He said cane cutters, laid off from sugar estates closed by the current government, are suffering and because of this their children cannot go to school.
“Let’s look at Guyana as a country that belongs to all of us, not a segment of Africans, Indians, Portuguese, Amerindians…we are supposed to be One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
Persaud is best known for leading the development of Demerara Distillers Limited into the country’s most diverse conglomerate, making the El Dorado brand of rums world renowned.
He also led the development of Guyana’s first indigenous bank – Demerara Bank.
He also pioneered the Institute of Private Enterprise Development, which has provided micro and small loans to thousands of Guyanese.
Persaud has also been recognized for his contributions to the democratic process, being one of the persons who fought for the restoration of democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana.
