THE launch of Ferdinand “Ferdie” Ferreira’s second book, Portrait of a Patriot, took place on Wednesday, one day after the author celebrated his 90th birthday, at the Angostura Glass House and Conference Centre. The book is a series of tributes to Ferreira, a self-taught political commentator and columnist.
Described as the “Dean of Docksford”, Ferreira was a close friend and adviser to the first prime minister of TT, Dr Eric Williams, and successive leaders of the People’s National Movement, a dock worker who promoted to deputy manager and former commissioner at the Port Authority, managing director at the Port & Maritime Services, and a national officer of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU).
Many of the tributes given acknowledged that many times patriots and those who had contributed to the nation were not given while the person was alive. Former AG Anthony I Smart said he was grateful and thankful to be able to celebrate Ferreira’s active and productive life with his friends and family.
SWWTU President General Michael Annisette said Ferreira had been a friend and mentor to him for years.
“While we had our disagreements, he taught me that friends must agree to disagree amicably. I look forward to engaging with him on Sundays, and it’s amazing that at 90 he still has the wit and insight he shows about what is going on in the world. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience. I come from the tradition of elders being libraries, and when you lose an elder, you lose that knowledge.”
Former PNM Secretary General Ashton Forde said he knew Ferreira since he was a child, when he would accompany his father to Balisier House and Ferreira would give him documents to read. He said Ferreira was a non-academic politician who had achieved more than many who had gone to university and was a shining example for young people.
[caption id="attachment_960698" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The audience who attended the launch of Ferdie Ferreira's new book, Portrait of a Patriot. PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI -[/caption]
Former Caribbean Shipping Association president Captain Rawle Baddaloo said Ferreira was an icon and more in the maritime sector, as he held the distinction of working up from a messenger to be the managing director of the Port & Maritime Services.
Prof Clement Imbert said while Ferreira was not formally trained, he was one of the most educated and academic human beings in TT.
Niece Debra Ferreira said even with his involvement with politics over the years, he upheld his role in the family and continues to take care of them.
“God has sustained him for 90 years. We are grateful to have been able to spend time with him, and we trust that he will see many more birthdays.”
Co-writer Sheila Rampersad said while Ferreira’s first book was an autobiography, the new book was a collage filled with other people’s portraits of the man.
“In Ferdie there is a truth of character that can take us into his world. He is not just a man of stories but a moral, tender hear
