Dear Editor,

I was shocked to read that President Jagdeo publicly and undiplomatically chastised prominent industrialist Yesu Persaud at a reception where the ‘Who’s Who’ of Guyanese society were present. Clearly, the President’s behaviour conclusively suggests that the relationship between the two men is broken and needs to be immediately repaired for the good of the country.

Yesu has meant well for Guyana. I first met him in 1989 at the Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York. He ably represented Guyana at the convention and in my presence offered friendly advice to the late Cheddi Jagan, suggesting that Jagan moderate his left-wing ideology to make him more “acceptable” to business interests and the Americans. Yesu felt this condition was necessary to get the Americans to force the holding of free and fair elections in Guyana. Although initially irritated by Yesu’s remarks, Jagan told me in a private meeting he was moving in the ideological direction Yesu had advised.

Jagan told me in a private interview for a newspaper article that he was “more Gorbachev [the former Soviet leader] than Gorbachev,” and that business did not have to worry about a Jagan government. However, he did promise to give some thought to Yesu’s suggestions about moderating the PPP’s ideology. It appeared to me that Jagan had accepted some of Yesu’s advice because I was informed that Yesu organized fundraisers for Jagan. There are other incidents I am aware of when Yesu influenced Jagan’s behaviour, but space would not allow me to recount these incidents, but I do wish to note that Yesu played an important role in the restoration of democracy in Guyana. One should not forget about the attempted kidnapping and attempts on his life because of his call for free and fair elections, as well as his presence at several GUARD meetings in Georgetown.  It was because of the influence of Yesu that many prominent businesses publicly critiqued the dictatorship and supported the PPP in the 1992 elections.

Yesu had developed a fondness for Bharrat Jagdeo when he became a junior Minister and subsequently Finance Minister. Yesu spoke glowingly of him in trips to NYC and in India at several meets.  Yesu cheered Jagdeo’s promotion to the presidency.  At the 2001 GOPIO convention in NYC, Yesu introduced the world’s youngest President praising Jagdeo to a standing ovation. And the President also spoke well of Yesu.

Clearly both men were on good terms. I should also note that at the Indian diaspora convention in New Delhi, Yesu cheered when Jagdeo was honoured with the Pravasi Award by then President Abdul Kalam. And now I read about this unnecessary public attack on Yesu.

Both Yesu and the President are patriots and mean well for the country. And each looks out for the interests of his constituents.  Yesu is the leader of the largest business organization in Guyana.  He should not be reprimanded for seeking or asking for the best (including tax breaks) opportunities for investors – that is his role.  Off course, it is also the President’s duty to maximize the collection of taxes on behalf of the nation.  But each should act and behave with mutual respect and in the best interests of the country.

Public rebuke and ridicule do not motivate people to do positive things. Yesu has so much to contribute to the development of our beloved nation.  The President should tap into his talent and resources and nudge him to expand investments that would lead to job creation and more revenues for the coffers.

Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram