There are many comparisons made during the lifetime and on the death of a member of the legal profession. The comparisons are made with physical stature, the use of that stature and the manner in which it is applied to the legal career. On the 26th November, 2023, the Bar Council of the Bar Association learnt, with deep regret, of the passing of Justice (r’td) Prem Persaud, a legal tower who made everlasting strides along the physical and legal landscape of Guyana.
Justice Persaud joined the legal profession in Guyana in the year 1960 at a time after being qualified in the United Kingdom. His was a career of service to the legal profession. First as a Magistrate in the then British Guiana. The next step in the career of Justice Persaud was to the High Court as a Puisne Judge in 1986.
After serving as a High Court Judge for several years, and Chief Justice for a short period, Justice Persaud was appointed a Justice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Guyana. As a Justice of Appeal, he delivered several landmark judgments in various areas of the law which will continue to guide lawyers and judges alike.
Upon his retirement from the Court of Appeal, Justice Persaud served in several posts continuing his journey of service to Guyana. The posts included, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, a member of the Judicial Service Commission, Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition Board, and head of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited.
Justice Persaud was the father of Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud, brother of Vidyanand Persaud, Senior Counsel, and the uncle of Prabha and Vidushi Persaud, both Attorneys-at-Law.
The Bar Council expresses its deepest condolences to his wife, children and extended family members.
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