Vic Persaud, a study in leadership, protocol practice and public service excellence

May 29, 2021 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

Every once-in-a-while, someone comes along who bestrides the world like a colossus. Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, CCH, was one such person. Vic walked with kings and queens, but never lost the common touch. He appeared to be very egalitarian deep down in his soul. He seemed to be born for the role of Director of Protocol and was gifted as Advisor in Protocol Affairs. His years in the Foreign Service at various overseas Missions had prepared him for the moment. He reached the pinnacle of his long and illustrious career in the Public Service of Guyana with the distinction of having served nine Executive Presidents, starting with Mr. L.F.S. Burnham and ending with Dr. Irfaan Ali. All those Presidents, except Dr. Irfaan Ali, came and left, but Vic Persaud remained planted behind the revolving door of the Executive Presidency, keeping the machinery of government ticking with the Bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita, upon which the incoming Executive President would choose to swear to uphold the Constitution of Guyana and pledge to serve without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Guyana was indeed fortunate to have this man as the custodian of its ‘Presidential Holy Books.’
This tribute is my portrait of Guyana’s ultimate Maestro of Protocol and Diplomatic etiquette. Just over three decades ago, the towering figure of Vic Persaud confidently strode into the Department of Protocol in the Office of the President to replace the then Director of Protocol, Winifred Agard, A.A., who was about to retire. He immediately made the indelible impression of suavity, elegance and polish of manner, among the small staff of the Department. His immaculate sense of style bespoke the confidence of the gentleman who was about to become our new Director of Protocol and Secretary-General of the Orders of Guyana. He came at a time of transition in Guyana. It was the early to mid-eighties. Guyana was at its peak at international forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and CARICOM. Guyana’s Presidential protocol was unique in the Caribbean, with the introduction of an Executive President as Guyana’s Head of State. Vic took on the role as Director of Protocol and never looked back. Significantly, Vic Persaud did not only serve honourably with nine Executive Presidents, but he also delicately handled each First Lady with utmost dignity, respect and sagacity.
The whirlwinds of high politics swirled around him, but he was impervious to the vicissitudes of partisan politics. He embodied the finest values of the Public Service: integrity, impartiality and objectivity. He interacted seamlessly with politicians of every shade across the political divide, local diplomats and foreign envoys, the military, police top brass, academics, legal luminaries, Trade Unionists, the Private Sector business leaders, the media and religious leaders, all in the national interest. His image at Accreditation ceremonies for foreign Diplomats presenting their credentials to the President had become a media staple. Vic became a friend to countless individuals, but he had a special place in his heart for artists. He was an ardent supporter of local artists whom he encouraged. Both established and up-and-coming artists, sculptors and ceramicists, streamed into the office to have their works selected for purchase as presidential gifts. I recall artists such as Trevor Alfred, Andre Sealey, Desmond Ali, Winston Strict, Camo Williams, Dudley Charles, Bernadette Persaud, Josefa Tamayo (Cuban Guyanese), Philbert Gajadar and countless others who were lucky to have Vic purchase their work and present them as gifts to visiting Heads of States and Governments or on Presidential assignments around the world. It was classic art diplomacy and a very practical demonstration of support for an otherwise neglected sector of society.
It was his seminal role as Secretary-General of the Orders of Guyana that Vic’s eye for detail was on full display. He worked tirelessly with the Committee for the Orders of Guyana to make sure all ‘citations’ were perfect for each National Honour recipient. He was the custodian of Guyana’s National Honours system and was the driving force behind the production of all the ‘Instruments of Appointment’ and ‘insignias’ for Guyana’s highest national honours. Vic ensured that the names and citations on every ‘Instrument’ was calligraphed to the highest standards of excellence. He loved my Calligraphy and motivated me as a young Protocol Officer, to excel in Calligraphy, the art of beautiful penmanship. The Protocol staff looked forward to lunch or a snack, which Vic would bring to the office from German’s Restaurant, or Betty’s black pudding or White Shop fried fish, when we worked weekends or overtime during the week in preparation for Investiture or other national events and ceremonies. When I last saw Vic in 2018, I told him he needed to write his Memoir for the benefit of the present generation of young public servants and for all Guyanese in general. I’m not sure if he got around to it. His successor, Col. Francis Abraham, has been doing a great job as Director of Protocol for a number of years now with Vic as his mentor. It would be a lasting tribute to Vic’s memory if a Manual of Presidential Protocol and Etiquette (The E.V. Persaud Protocol Manual) could be produced for posterity. During his sojourn at OP, Vic ensured that all fallen members of the Orders of Guyana were honoured with a solemn vigil, as their remains lay in repose. A Military officer would stand in silence with a cushion in hand bearing the medal, which the departed member of the Orders had received. Now it’s Vic’s turn to have his vigil. Guyana can make sure to honour the memory of Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud for “Life’s race well run, Life’s work well done, now comes eternal rest.”

Yours sincerely,
Standhope Williams
Former Protocol Officer
Office of the President

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