ESSEQUIBO continues to make waves in the literary world as 13-year-old Yogesh Payush Persaud, a student of Abram Zuil Secondary School and resident of Queenstown Village, Region Two, captures attention with his debut novella, Protector.

Written with remarkable depth and imagination, Protector blends mystery, suspense, and emotion into a chilling yet meaningful story about unseen guardians and the secrets families keep. Payush began writing the novella in May 2025, drawing inspiration from his fascination with how fear and love can coexist within the same heart.
When asked about the title, the young author explained, “Protector represents the unseen force that shields us sometimes from danger, sometimes from the truth.” The story explores how protection can come in unexpected forms, even when it appears dark or frightening. Most of Payush’s nights were spent meticulously inking his thoughts onto paper.
Teachers and classmates have praised Payush for his creativity and determination, describing him as a talented storyteller whose work reflects the growing spirit of creativity among young Guyanese writers.
Set to be officially published on Amazon in two weeks, Protector marks an incredible milestone for the young Essequibian author. The novella, which has a word count of 7,000 words, will also soon be available in physical copies. Persaud, the youngest child of his parents, expressed his excitement, stating that writing his own novella was a long-held dream. He encouraged other young people to pursue their dreams and never give up.
His parents, Jayshree and Kamta Persaud, expressed immense pride in their son. “He is brilliant academically and always impresses us with his skills,” they said.
Yogesh Persaud’s debut is not just a personal achievement; it serves as an inspiration to other young Guyanese, proving that age is no barrier when passion meets purpose.