Guyanese-born Capt. Patrick Ragburlall Persaud, aka ‘Rocky Ragbur’, is celebrating his 90th birthday on 3/17/2016. His maritime career spanned 50 years. Starting in 1948, Rocky Ragbur rose through the ranks from Saloon boy, O.S, A.B, Boatswain (Bosun), 3 rd Master, 2nd Master, and Chief Mate, to Master Mariner, eventually retiring as a Sea Captain in September of 1998.
Born one of seven siblings on St. Patrick’s Day in Plantation Port Mourant, County of Berbice, British Guiana in 1926, Ragburlall was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church in the town of Alness. After being a Boy Scout and pupil teacher as a teenager, his first job was that of Sample Boy at the Port Mourant Sugar Estate Labs. He went on to work at Swamber’s Drug Store in the township of Rose Hall, and then at Gunpatsingh’s Drug Store in New Amsterdam, Berbice, filling prescriptions for seafaring individuals. One day he asked a seafaring customer “How can I get a job like yours?” The kind gentleman advised Ragburlall that he would need to take a test. This led to yet another job opportunity, but this time in MacKenzie, where Ragburlall had to relocate first to Mora St, and then to Bulletwood St. In Mackenzie during the 1940s, he worked in the Labs operated by The Canadian Mining Co.
On September 8, 1948, “Rocky Ragbur” cast off as Saloon Boy onboard the S. S. “SPURT” of Norway, working from the Galley to serve the Captain, Chief Engineer, and the Chief Mate. Thus began his career which would last for 50 years! In 1949, he earned a transfer to the Deck, and he credits Capt. Strand for encouraging him to do more studies and examinations “to get your Licenses”. Whilst working he studied through the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York City. In September of 1958 he achieved the rank of Deck Officer in all capacities, and in October of 1967 he obtained a Liberian Master’s License (unlimited tonnage), employed by Caribbean Steamships, Corpus Christi, Texas, as a relief and subsequently permanent Master. On the 17th day of September 1981, Capt. P. Persaud was awarded a Citation from the Port of New Orleans Port Authority making him an Honorary Harbour Master. Shortly after, in December of 1981 he acquired his Radio Telephony License through the F.C.C. Exams.
Capt. ‘Rocky Ragbur’ sailed dozens of vessels for many Nations (Flags) and visited 82 countries, landing at a total of 292 places in those countries during his career. One of his fond memories is sailing on the Cape of Good Hope, where he would playfully drive through a school of whales. They would in turn retaliate by slamming and pooping on his ship!
Uncle ‘Rocky’ and his wife, Barbara (d.2002), are parents of Penny, Denise, and Preston. They have eight grandchildren. One of his sisters, Rukhminee Persaud (Aunty Baby) was present when I interviewed him on March 25, 2015, and I’d like to recognize and thank her for verifying many details of Uncle Rocky’s life story. Congratulations Uncle Ragbur! Many Happy Returns! May God continue to shower Blessings on you!
© 2016 Bio researched and written by David Rampy
