Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Professor Persaud fought against apartheid
Dear Editor;
Guyanese born Professor, Bisnodath Persaud played a very important role for Blacks in the South African anti-apartheid fight. It counts among his excellent work during his life time as well as his outstanding work for the University of the West Indies. And as a mark of respect flags will be flown at half staff at all university campuses on Friday, the day of his funeral.
Professor Persaud was a scholar and practitioner with global reach in the field of economic development. Chief Emeka Anyaoku former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat where Professor Persaud was director and head of the economic affairs division from 1981 to 1992 said his passing is a “huge loss to the coterie of outstanding advocates of more equitable international economic relations” The distinguished professor was Director and Head of the Economic Affairs Division of the Economic Affairs division from 1981 to 1992 . In this capacity and as co-secretary to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings, he played a critical role behind the scenes in the development of the economic sanctions that contributed to the overthrow of South African’s apartheid regime.
Professor Avinash Persaud said Bishnodat’s preference was not to be in the limelight but to identify the technical work necessary to pinpoint the technical details necessary to translate the desirable into reality and to make it happen. In 1990, he helped to launch the Iworkrama international project that showed rain forests could be sustainably managed. He also played a major role in chaperoning the future Finance Minister and later Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh along the path.
Several distinguished persons including Sir Shridath Ramphal, Professor Clem Seecharran will attend his funeral on Friday at Golden Green crematorium in south London.
Oscar Ramjeet
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