At 28, Devendra Persaud is making big waves in the business industry

While most 28-year-olds are now putting the bits and pieces of their life together, Devendra Persaud is already in an upward direction in one of the most competitive fields – the business industry.

 

But to understand his journey, you’ll first need to know that despite the hurdles thrown at him, he persevered and pulled through. 

Persaud was born at home by a midwife on the 10th May 1992 to parents Bibi Farida and Muneshwar Persaud. He grew up with his younger sister at Reliance, Region Two. The young man dubbed his childhood as an “awesome one.” He noted that it was filled with traditional games. 

Growing up, my childhood was the traditional playing in the streets with the neighbors’ kids, walking home from school in the afternoon, making toys from recycled materials, playing games like hide and seek, tug of wars, war break, marbles amongst many others. In those days, our parents weren’t just our biological parents. They included our teachers, neighbours, older cousins, aunts, and uncles. Every person played a role in ensuring we remained disciplined and grew to be responsible.

He attended the Reliance Nursery School then the C.V. Nunes Primary School after being placed at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School. In 2009, Persaud graduated with fifteen (15) subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He is a holder of a Diploma in Operations Management. 

He also holds an Associates Degree in Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Penn Foster University. 

Life has changed significantly. I remember being in high school and always wanting to become an adult. Now, I dream of turning back time to be back in high school again.

Persaud said that while growing up, he always wanted to become a Pilot. But due to unforeseen circumstances, he joined the business field.

At the time, my parents were quite fearful of sending me to Georgetown to pursue my tertiary studies, so I eventually did self-studies and joined the business field. Peer pressure was a major challenge. Being pressured into making decisions that go beyond what you believe in and stand for. This was significant in moulding the person I am today. It propelled me to believe in myself and to stand strong on my word; it would have lifted my self-esteem, which allowed me to captain my own ship with confidence.

Despite the odds, after completing high school, the 28-year-old applied at the Demerara Bank and worked his way up, and later became the Branch Manager. 

Volunteerism

From a very young age, Persaud had developed a passion for serving and helping those within his community. As such, he joined the Lions Movement in February 2020 through the Lions Club of Essequibo Coast. 

Being a humanitarian means being passionate about serving and helping those within our communities. I strongly believe that unless we are able to serve those that are in need and to give back to society in a meaningful way, we have not really achieved success.

During his time with the Lions Club of Essequibo Coast, Persaud served in several keyboard positions – Secretary, Vice President, President for two consecutive years. In fact, he was the youngest President to have been elected to serve as the club’s President in the Caribbean Regions. He was 22 at the time. 

He also served at the district level, which included all clubs from Suriname, Guyana & Trinidad & Tobago as District Chairperson, Information Technology Chairperson, and District Associate for Youth Camp & Exchange. 

This budding young man said that he was instrumental in crafting, developing, and spearheading community service projects that would have impacted thousands of individuals. 

Leadership 

Apart from humanitarian services, Persaud is also passionate about leadership. His leadership abilities were one of the qualities that landed him the Branch Manager position for Demerara Bank. 

I’ve seen leadership in the worst of forms and would have seen the reaction of those being led. I see leadership as an art, an act of compassion, and a platform for providing guidance. Leadership isn’t about authority and dictatorship, which is what is very prevalent in Guyana today, hence my passion to join those who have come before me to use leadership as a means of developing and growing those around us.

Speaking of leadership, he is presently the Co-founder & President of the Climbers, Executive member/Treasurer of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and is the Business Development Manager at Unicomer (Guyana) Inc. 

When asked if there is anything in life he would change, a proud Persaud said; 

Every past situation would have shaped the person I am today. I have grown and became my best self. Changing something would mean changing my journey of self-discovery, self-discipline, and self-realization. On this basis, there isn’t anything I would change.

His advice to youths, who may think that they cannot achieve anything in, life is simple. He said;

My advice is simple, the road to success and achievements will be a bumpy one, one in which you will feel demotivated and want to give up, but never lose sight of your goals, remain focused and know that your level of success will be dependent on the work you put in.  Believing in yourself is also key; never allow someone to tell you that you cannot do something; instead, use their disbelief as your motivation to catapult your energies towards success. Additionally, never allow your age to hinder your performance; you are youthful and full of energy. Let this be your moment you can accomplish all that you set for yourself through determination and perseverance.

This ambitious 28-year-old credited his success to God and his relatives, teachers, lecturers, and mentors.  

Guyana has great potential and wealth. It will take true leadership to ensure we unlock our true potential as a country. I will not stop until I am able to join with those who can promote sustainability.

Devendra aspires to one day serve his country and people as he noted how divided we can be and how unified we can be at times. He would also be reading for his Masters in Business Management.