Statement of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the passing of Mr Vic Persaud

It is with deep sadness that I just received the news of the passing of Mr Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, fondly known as Vic Persaud.

‘Uncle Vic’, as he was also adoringly and respectfully referred to, has been an ‘institution’ within the country’s Public Service. He has provided more than sixty (60) unbroken years of exemplary public service, as an Accountant, Foreign Service Officer and as Chief of Protocol and Advisor on Protocol Affairs.

Vic Persaud has had the distinction of providing protocol duties to nine (9) Executive Presidents, namely former Presidents Mr Forbes Burnham, Mr Desmond Hoyte, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Mr Samuel Hinds, Mrs Janet Jagan, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Mr Donald Ramotar, Mr David Granger and most recently me.

He was a model public servant, embodying the finest attributes of professional public service. His wit, charm, grace, sophistication, courtesy, excellence and efficiency were the hallmarks of his exemplary service.

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.