Harold Persaud papers

Includes minutes, papers of the Council of Ministers (of British Guiana), 1961 September - 1962 December, 1964 August - December; subject files on the Venezuela / British Guiana (Guyana) border issue, 1962-1964; notes, speeches, correspondence on the archives and heritage of Guyana, circa 1960-62; Report of the National Reconciliation Committee, 1965 September; report of the conference of Caribbean countries, 1965 July; Report of the Commission to Review Wages, Salaries and Conditions of Service in British Guiana, 1961 [annotated by Harold Persaud]; "Dukes Immovable Property: the law as to immovable property in British Guiana", volume, c1960; "Guiana Diary 1956, important events of the year" (compiled by the Government Information Service, British Guiana. Includes great detail on the colonial administration and personnel). Also scrap books and photograph albums, acquired at auction, of travels in British Guiana, circa 1920s-1930s.

Harold Persaud was born in Cumberland, Guyana on 12 January 1922. After leaving school, he joined the staff of Queen's College, Georgetown. He gained his Honours BA in History through private study in 1953. Five years later, he was appointed as the first archivist of the government of Guyana. In 1962 he was appointed by Cheddi Jagan to be the Permanent Secretary to the Premier, the Cabinet and also the Ministry of Planning, and the Ministry of External Affairs. In 1966, he left the civil service in Guyana and moved to England, where he qualified as a barrister in 1968.

Open for research although at least 24 hours’ notice is required. Access might be restricted under the Freedom of Information Act. See archivist for details.

Described to fonds level.