“Harris was the eye in our little storm.” This was among the many sentiments expressed on Monday evening when a group of friends and associates of UG student Harris Anthony Persaud, who drowned last week, gathered to reminisce on his life.
Persaud, 19, of Lot 21 Granny Field, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, went missing on Wednesday last, and his body was found floating in the Demerara River in the vicinity of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara on Friday afternoon. A post-mortem revealed that the young man died by drowning.
The 19-year-old’s friends held a candlelight vigil at the University of Guyana’s parking lot where they reflected on their memories of him. Sajeedah Khan, one of his close friends who organised the vigil, reflected on her time spent with Persaud, telling those gathered that Persaud was unlike any other person she has encountered so far.
Struggling to contain her tears, the young woman shared that while it may be difficult for persons to believe all of the good things being said about Persaud, it was all true. Another of Persaud’s friends, Alarick Hossein, related that the young man had a way of making people feel welcome, and it was this trait that started their friendship.
Persaud was last seen on Wednesday by his relatives when he left home to attend classes at the University. The Police have arrested the teen’s two friends with whom he was last seen, and they are still in custody awaiting the decision whether or not they will be charged.
The young men told Police that Persaud was swimming with them behind the Marriott Hotel, when a wave swept him away. They claimed that they panicked, and disposed of his clothing and other belongings.
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