-Dr. Yesu Persaud
REFLECTING on the genesis of the Guyanese population from the Amerindians to the arrival of the East Indians, Dr. Yesu Persaud stressed the importance of remembering that we live in a “multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-cultural society.”
He made these remarks during the first of a four part lecture series, hosted annually by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) to commemorate Indian Arrival.
The lecture series was launched at the Pegasus hotel on Friday last and, in addition to Persaud; other speakers included Professor David Dabydeen and Dr. Prem Misir– the Chairman of the panel.
The highlight of the lecture was the contribution of persons of Indian origin in the Diaspora.
Mentioning such countries as Guyana, Canada, Mauritius, Trinidad, Fiji and the United States of America, Persaud said the East Indians have made contributions “in every field of human endeavour from education to philosophy” wherever they settled.
He also expressed the belief that Arrival Month is not primarily Indian and that there should be greater inter ethnic solidarity seeing that there have been many alliances between ethnic groups in Guyana.
Persaud observed that cultural pluralism needs to take stronger root to ensure national unity.
Recalling his time spent working in the sugar cane fields; the guest lecturer highlighted the evolution of the East Indian’s role in society by pointing out that today, many members of Parliament and the House of Lords in England are of Indian descent, and more than 30 percent of doctors in the United States are of Indian origin.
This is in contrast to when they were shipped to British Guiana to keep the sugar industry alive and denied the right to an education in order to work in the sugar cane fields.
Persaud lamented that during the time of indentureship, 5,000 years of civilization were being belittled in Guyana, further adding the present generation are ‘reaping the harvest of their forbearers.”
Additionally, Professor Dabydeen announced that the University of Warwick has renamed its Centre for Caribbean Studies after Persaud.
The centre will now be called ‘The Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies’.
Dabydeen, a Guyanese-born Professor, said the proposed renaming is an act of great significance for the Caribbean.
“Many of our centre’s staff and fellows have examined how in the 19th century hundreds of thousands of Indians were shipped to Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica, to cut cane, as indentured labourers, replacing African slaves. Dr. Yesu Persaud’s forebears were such indentured labourers, and Yesu himself worked in the cane fields. So for us at Warwick to name our Centre for Caribbean Studies after him brings a little beautiful closure to that aspect of history.”
He also added “there is a space that is forever Guyana and the University of Warwick is recognizing Dr. Persaud’s presence and philanthropic activities in Guyana, the Caribbean and the wider world.”
Dr. Prem Misir, Pro-Chancellor of University of Guyana, in his presentation expounded on the achievements of East Indians globally and the evolution of the Indian culture and stated that “there is dignity in everything you do”
Misir also applauded the works of Persaud and recognised his works not only in business but his contributions in Indian history and culture, and his role at conceiving the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).
The second lecture hosted by GOPIO will be held on Thursday.
Formed in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan organisation engaged in promoting the well being of people of Indian origin, and enhancing cooperation and communication between Indians living in different countries.