Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the passing of Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Ferreira, a foundational figure in the nation’s political landscape and close confidant of first prime minister Dr. Eric Williams, who died on December 11 at the age of 93. Recognized across party lines as an unwavering patriot, Ferreira dedicated his life to national development and political scholarship.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles led tributes, honoring Ferreira as a man whose “life lived in service, integrity and devotion is honoured by God Himself.” Born in 1932 on Dundonald Street in Port of Spain, Ferreira became one of the few authorities capable of speaking comprehensively about Trinidad and Tobago’s political evolution from colonial times to the present.
As a founding member of the People’s National Movement (PNM), Ferreira served in multiple capacities including elections officer and labor relations officer while acting as trusted adviser to Williams and subsequent party leaders. His expertise became so renowned that the PNM described his home as “a museum of sorts” containing historical documents, laminated articles, photographs, and recordings preserved with his late wife Pearl.
Beyond political service, Ferreira was a prolific writer who authored two significant works: “Political Encounters 1946–2016” (2018) and the autobiography “Portrait of a Patriot” (2022), launched the day after his 90th birthday. His intellectual contributions earned him the honorary degree from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2021 and the D. Eric Williams Medal of Honour in 2019.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Former culture minister Joan Yuille-Williams remembered him as “the most dedicated servant of the people” who “didn’t look back for anything for himself.” NAR former deputy leader Winston Dookeran praised Ferreira as “a foundation stone for the building of the independent TT,” while former minister Vasant Bharath noted his commentary was “never about spectacle – it was about service.”
Ferreira’s legacy includes his recent work preserving the PNM’s history on film through interviews with founding members. He is survived by his children David, Donna, and Jaime, daughter-in-law Lavaughn, and numerous grandchildren.