Guyanese Achievers UK

About the Book

This book contains biographies of people who have made their mark in society, varying from the services, professions, community and religious work, sport, music, the arts and literature.

Included among over 60 biographies, some famous, some not, are: Baroness Amos, the first black woman to be Leader of the House of Lords and first black woman cabinet minister; Air Commodore David Case, the highest ranking black person in the Royal Air Force; Lord Waheed Alli, media tycoon, the youngest peer in Parliament when appointed; Trevor Phillips, Chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality and first Chairman of the Greater London Assembly; and Professor Cynthia Pine, the first woman and first black person to be Dean of Dental Studies, University of Liverpool. The biographies also include: media psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud; administrative doyen Lord Herman Ouseley, headmaster Sir Dexter Hutt, and celebrated conductor the late Rudolph Dunbar, the first black person to conduct a symphony orchestra in London.

They share in common a background in Guyana, known previously as British Guiana, ( the former colony with its proud traditions and strengths, with a rich cultural heritage - European, African, Asian, and American - a microcosm of the world ).

They made good. They were not privileged. They were brought up with ambition and to value education and hard work. In the UK they seized every opportunity to make their mark. They reached for the sky. They ignored barriers. In the march of humankind for betterment, with their upbringing, inborn ability, drive and self confidence, these achievers have made history.

About the Author

Vidur Dindayal of London, is an architect and part-time lecturer. Born in 1934, at Blairmont, a sugar plantation in British Guiana, the former colony, now known as Guyana, he was educated there and at Delhi University. After managing part of the family business in British Guiana he emigrated in 1962 to settle in London.

He worked as a clerk in the Architect's Department of the old London County Council, then studied architecture at Brixton School of Building. After qualifying as an architect in 1973, he worked in Guyana, where he designed the Attorney General's Chambers in Carmichael Street, and the Ombudsman's Office in Brickdam. He returned to London in 1975 where he built up his career, working on a variety of projects including: housing for the elderly, major housing rehab, civic buildings, and shopping centre developments. Vidur then set up his own practice, and has been a part time lecturer. He is an Assessor of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Continuing Professional Development Providers Network.

Keen on community service, Vidur is a JP, and until he retired has been: a magistrate and court chairman on the Bench in London and for seven years Secretary of the Magistrates Association, Inner London. Other appointments included, member of: the Social Security Appeal Tribunal, the Disability Appeal Tribunal, and the London Regional Passengers (watchdog) Committee. He is currently a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. He takes a keen interest in interfaith activities.

He is fascinated with the rich cultural heritage - ( European, African, Asian, and American - a microcosm of the world ) - of Guyanese. Impressed by the success of Guyanese of a small population, he values role models. These are celebrated in this book.