Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
LEFT: Professor Errol Morrison (left) was one of many persons at the reception for Dr. Hame Persaud O.D. on Thursday October 27. The reception, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, was staged by the National Council for Indian Culture in recognition of Dr. Persaud's contribution to the Indian Community as well as his achievement of the Order of Distinction. RIGHT: Mrs. Sharon Tolan (left), on behalf of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica, hands to Dr. Hame Persaud O.D. a plaque in recognition of his work in the medical field and his achievement of the Order of Distinction. She made the presentation at a reception for Dr. Persaud, staged by the Indian Community, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday. - WINSTON SILL PHOTOS/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. HAME Persaud O.D. claims that the Order of Distinction was misplaced, as he really deserved an 'O.D.D.' for being an "odd" person. Nonetheless, his friends and colleagues of the National Council for Indian Culture did not share those sentiments, and threw him a grand reception on Thursday October 27, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in commemoration of his achievements and ascension to the Order of Distinction.
The master of ceremonies, Mr. Ken Williamsingh, who declared Dr. Persaud an adopted son of Jamaica, was the first to outline the extensive accomplishments of the man of the hour.
These included establishing health and dental clinics in collaboration with other doctors and providing pharmaceuticals for them. He also started the Premasat Sang Hindu Society for charity work.
CONGRATULATIONS
Chairman of the council, Mr. Kiran Banhan, also congratulated Dr. Persaud, who gave a tribute in Hindi. A portion of it translated to: "I am very happy to have received this award. This is not for me alone, but you all share it with me." He continued to describe his delight with joining the roster of
accomplished persons of the Order of Distinction.
Dr. Persaud also recognised his wife Barbara, whom he proclaimed as his main source of strength and the engine behind all his achievements. Dr. Persaud punctuated his address with much levity and humour, showing that he is not only an accomplished medical professional and family man, but also an entertainer.
EVENING TO PARTY
Mr. Williamsingh, who was intent on keeping the evening light, declared, "Tonight is a cocktail party and not an evening of speech making, but one of making personal contribution to the honouree." Fellow medical professional Dr. Santosh Kulkani, congratulated his colleague and Mr. Trevor Bailey highlighted Dr. Persaud's contribution to the Indian community and Jamaica at large.
A group of young dancers each wearing different coloured gold-encased saris, performed a delightful dance to some lively Indian music. Finally, the council also recognised young badminton player Vishwanauth Tolan, for his achievements in the sport.
