Dr. Yesu Persaud, one of the most influential people in the Caribbean rum industry over the past 60 years, has passed away at 93 years of age.
Dr. Persaud had an enormous impact on both Guyana’s rum industry and Caribbean rum as a whole. In 1975, he became the executive chairman of Diamond Liquors Limited. Over the next four decades, he led the Guyanese rum industry through many twists and turns, including:
- Combining Diamond Liquors and Guyana Distillers Limited into a single company under state control – Demerara Distillers Ltd
- The subsequent divestment of Demerara Distillers back to a publicly traded company
- The closing of all operating rum distilleries in Guyana, save one: Diamond Distillery
As the chairman of Demerara Distillers, he oversaw its expansion into wide international distribution with its El Dorado rum brand. The 1992 launch of El Dorado 15 is widely seen as a pivotal moment in rum’s transition to a premium spirit.
Dr. Persaud also served as the chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) from 1990-1992. Along with Jamaica’s Evon Brown and Patrick Mayers of Barbados, Dr. Persaud played a pivotal role in obtaining funding for the Caribbean Rum Sector Programme. This program allowed many CARIFORUM rum producers to substantially upgrade their facilities and transition from low-margin bulk rum to high-value branded products.
Velier’s Luca Gargano has spoken very fondly of Dr. Persaud many times. Velier’s independent bottlings of vintage rums from Demerara Distillers resulted from a friendship and partnership with Dr. Persaud.
Although I was not fortunate enough to meet Dr. Persaud in person, I had the honor of interviewing him as part of WIRSPA’s 50th anniversary Icon Series.
Great înterview, thank you so much. Dr. Yesu made a lot for the industry!