Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar bade a tearful goodbye to councillor Feeraz Ali, a “dedicated soldier” of the United National Congress (UNC), during a funeral service at his Gasparillo home yesterday. “Feeraz has always been a loyal, dedicated soldier for the UNC, and a very dedicated community activist and councillor serving people,” she said.
Ali, 54, was the councillor for the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation. He died on the way to the hospital Thursday morning after he suffered a heart attack while in his bed at his home. Yesterday, hundreds of mourners filled the councillor’s garage, three tents on Razack Street and an adjacent empty plot of land to pay their respects to Ali and his grieving family. All were invited to view his body prior to the funeral service.
His wife, Nazma Sherry Ali, and mother, Zalina Ali, sat by his open casket throughout the service, sobbing silently and whispering their goodbyes to their husband and son. At one stage, his mother caressed his head saying, “I won’t be able to hear your voice again.” Persad-Bissessar said that while everyone was mourning his passing, they should remember and celebrate his life and the good things he did.
“One thing with Feeraz, is he never ever forgot the people who elected him to serve,” Persad-Bissessar said, a statement which broke the silence of the gathering and triggered an applause. She said Ali had always been at her side during her political career. As Persad-Bissessar continued by paying respects to his family, it became difficult for her to speak, and she apologised saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, we will miss you Feeraz.”
She added that it was a blessing that Ali, a Muslim, had died during the month of Ramadan. Ali’s father, Sylvan Ali, officiated at the funeral service. He said his son was the first in the family to enter into politics and it was a family decision back in 1999. Sylvan said he told him to make sure he became an honest politician.
In a short interview with the T&T Guardian before his father’s funeral, Ali’s elder son Safraz, 31, said he would consider taking over his dad’s councillor position.The councillor, who served in that position for 14 years, was heralded by speakers during the service as dedicated to his job because he “loved to do things to see people happy.”
His sister, Rafeena Ali, told the crowd that her brother was not academically inclined as a young student, but was always popular and loved by those in his community, and was probably why he was approached to become a councillor. Councillor for Tabaquite Henry Awong was introduced as a dear friend of Ali’s. He reminisced about the bond they shared as council men. “Feeraz always stood up in the council for what he believed in. Always stood up, and he stood strong.”
Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim also spoke, reiterating that Ali passed away during an auspicious time. “It is a privilege and a blessing to those who have passed away in this most blessed month on the Islamic calendar, the holy month of Ramadan.”