PNM stalwart Ferdie Ferreira dies at 93

Ferdie Ferreira with a copy his book Portrait of a Patriot at its 2022 launch. - File photo

PNM stalwart Ferdinand "Ferdie" Ferreira, a former close adviser of the country's first prime minister Dr Eric Williams, has been described as a man for the people who contributed to the development of TT, following his death on December 11 at age 93.

He was remembered by people on both sides of the aisle as someone who was passionate about the development of TT.

In a post on her Facebook page, PNM political leader and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles said, "As we mourn the passing of Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Ferreira, we take solace in knowing that a life lived in service, integrity and devotion is honoured by God Himself. Ferdie is now at rest, free from the cares of this world and embraced by the everlasting peace of our Heavenly Father."

Reflecting on the life of Ferreira who was born in 1932 on Dundonald Street in Port of Spain, the Arima MP said his passing marked a "profound loss" for the country and the PNM. He was widely acclaimed as one of a handful of citizens who could speak with authority on not only the PNM's origins, history and philosophy but also the political history of the country of both pre- and post-colonial times.

She said Ferreira’s passing marked a profound loss for TT, the PNM and for all who benefitted from his wisdom, conviction and patriotism. He was a founding member of the PNM who served as elections officer and labour relations officer and was a trusted adviser to Williams and subsequent leaders of the party.

She said in 2021, UTT honoured him with the honorary degree for his immense contribution to public life.

Former prime minister Stuart Young said, in a Facebook post, that Ferreira was a fountain of knowledge and history.

“Thank you Ferdie Ferreira for all that you contributed to the development of our country and the PNM. May your soul rest in eternal peace. To Ferdie’s family and friends may God grant you strength and comfort.”

Former culture minister Joan Yuille-Williams, speaking to Newsday via phone on December 11, said she had lost a friend and the country a great patriot.

“He was the most dedicated servant of the people, he enjoyed service. He was a great fighter for the people. When you called him on one thing, he would do that plus something else and he would continue to go out to help you to do it. He didn’t look back for anything for himself. He’s an example of what real people helping should be. We need a lot more like him.”

Fellow PNM stalwart Overand Padmore said Ferreira was a dear friend and dedicated party member.

“He loved TT. He was a patriot who invested emotionally and worked very hard in the development of TT. He gave of his best. He was one of the early converts and supports of Dr Williams when he appeared on the scene. There were many memorable encounters between them and they became pretty close. Even after they had their celebrated breakup (in 1980) when Williams seemed to be drifting apart from the party he had founded, emotionally the relationship remained intact.”

National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) former deputy political leader Winston Dookeran said Ferreira was a humble person who was down to earth in his comments.

“Over the years I had many conversations with him, particularly over the period of the NAR. He was a person whose views you always listened to, they were always reflective views that were motivated by what I refer to as a higher freedom for TT.

“He was of course instrumental in his own party, but he was beyond the party in terms of his views and the discussions with myself and others. I felt he was a foundation stone for the building of the independent TT and he has done a great job. His memory and the lessons he would have expressed by his writings and his words will never be erased.”

Former minister of food production Vasant Bharath said Ferreira was an extraordinary son of TT whose voice, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public life left an indelible mark on the nation.

In a Facebook post, Bharath said Ferreira was more than a political commentator or public advocate, he was a guardian of TT’s democratic spirit who championed truth, fairness, and thoughtful discourse with clarity, courage, and a deep love for country.

“His commentary was never about spectacle – it was about service. It was about reminding us who we are, and who we ought to be. To many, Ferdie was a mentor. To others, a friend. To all of us, he was a steadfast beacon of integrity and national pride. His passing leaves a silence that will be felt not only in the public arena but in every space where people gather to reflect on the future of our beloved TT.”

In a statement, the PNM said Ferreira was considered the authority on anything related to Williams and on the PNM’s foundational tenets.

“His home was a PNM museum of sorts, filled with books, historical documents, laminated newspaper articles, pictures and even recordings. His late, doting wife Pearl acted as the conservator of these, as she lovingly partnered with him to preserve the rich history of our party and country.

“Beyond reading, he was a passionate and tireless writer, having authored two books Political Encounters 1946 – 2016 (2018), and Portrait of a Patriot (2022). His first book was a compilation of some of the many articles and op-eds that he had contributed to major newspapers in the country, and the second, an autobiography which he launched the day after his 90th birthday. He continued writing newspaper columns and letters to the editor up to earlier this year.”

The PNM said Ferreira was honoured with the D. Eric Williams Medal of Honour on January 26, 2019, at the party’s 63rd anniversary celebrations at NAPA. It said from December 2021 to February 2022, he partnered with three others to capture on film the story of the PNM through the lenses of those who were there from its inception.

In the release, Beckles commiserated with David, Donna and Jaime, his daughter-in-law Lavaughn, and his many grandchildren and loved ones.