The long-serving Chief of Protocol at the Office of the President, Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, has passed at the age of 82.
Persaud had the distinction of providing protocol duties to nine Executive Presidents, namely former Presidents Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, David Granger and more recently President Irfaan Ali.
President Ali in a statement yesterday said that the 82-year-old man’s passing was met with deep sadness. He also stated that the man has been an institution within the country’s Public Service as he provided over sixty unbroken years of exemplary public service. Ali listed the positions which Persaud served in during his career. These were accountant, Foreign Service Officer, Chief of Protocol, and Advisor on Protocol Affairs. The President noted that Guyana has lost an outstanding public servant and the Office of the President has lost one of its most beloved and respected stalwarts. “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf and that of my family, I extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Carol, his children and relatives.”
Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, also made a statement where he said “I had the pleasure and honour of working closely with Vic during my tenure at the Ministry of the Presidency. I found that he possessed the highest integrity and an unflinching attention to detail. He was a reservoir of knowledge and history within the public service and the protocol department.” Harmon too expressed sadness at the passing of “one of Guyana’s most revered and outstanding public servants.” He further described Persaud as an exceptional public servant who served his country for over half a century. Persaud, Harmon added, was a mentor, colleague and friend to many and his pleasant, calming demeanour and exemplary professionalism will be missed by all those whom he mentored and worked with throughout the years. Sincere condolences were extended to Persaud’s family and friends, on behalf of Harmon, his family, the APNU+AFC coalition and all Guyanese, the statement added.
Persaud, also known as Vic Persaud and Uncle Vic, was born on February 9, 1939. He was married to Carol. Persaud was the father of three, Mark of the USA, Andy of Canada, and Anandi of England. He was the grandfather of four and brother of David and Rani, as well as the late Samuel, the late Betty, and the late Radica, according to two of his relatives.
