Rowley: Ferdie’s book gives us comfort

Overall the many speakers praised Ferreira’s journey from childhood poverty to dock worker and labour activist to Butlerite to People’s National Movement (PNM) stalwart to Organsiation for National Reconstruction (ONR) stalwart and then back to the PNM.

Rowley said he first met Ferreira in 1986 when he (Rowley) became PNM deputy leader.

“I realised he was someone special, telling me about ‘being there and having done that.’ I attached myself to that intellect and that experience.” Rowley recalled working with Ferreira post-1986 to rebuild the PNM. “He brought to the PNM that experience of the ONR. I was the beneficiary of that experience and goodness.”