The Life & Legacy of Al Ramsawack

About Al Ramsawack

Albert “Al” Ramsawack was born on 25 August 1932 in Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago, and lived most of his life in Rousillac in the south of the island. His early years were shaped in rural settings, where folklore and storytelling were part of everyday life — a foundation that would later define his lifelong passion for preserving Caribbean oral traditions in written form. Wikipedia

A Life Dedicated to Stories and Culture

Before becoming a full-time storyteller, Al Ramsawack trained as a teacher and began his career in education, teaching art and language in local schools. In 1971, he started writing and illustrating folklore articles for the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, capturing local tales and legends that were—until then—largely held in oral tradition. Wikipedia
Over the years, Ramsawack authored over 300 children’s stories, including beloved series like Monkey Polo, and books such as Folklore Stories of Trinidad and Tobago and Boboy and the Douens — a collection of stories published between the early 1970s and 2016 that brought Caribbean folklore to young readers. UW-Madison Libraries+1
His engaging narrative style doesn’t just entertain — it preserves the essence of Caribbean heritage and ensures that traditional stories remain vibrant in modern culture.

Impact and Recognition

Al Ramsawack’s contributions extended beyond books. He was also a broadcaster and storyteller, sharing folklore through radio, television, and public readings, touching audiences far beyond Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2004, his dedication to cultural storytelling was recognized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) — a prestigious award given for service to culture and community. Wikipedia In 2021, he received further acknowledgement from the Environmental Management Authority for his work in environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Wikipedia

Legacy That Lives On

Al Ramsawack passed away on 25 September 2021, but his legacy continues to inspire. His stories have become treasured classics in Caribbean children’s literature, studied in schools and enjoyed in homes across the Caribbean and around the world. Wikipedia
Through his writing, broadcasting, and storytelling, he helped keep the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago alive — ensuring that tales of jumbies, forest spirits, trickster characters, and larger-than-life heroes continue to enchant future generations.

Featured Works

  • Folklore Stories of Trinidad and Tobago — a landmark collection of traditional folklore
  • Boboy and the Douens — a beloved tale featuring the mysterious douens of Caribbean folklore
  • Monkey Polo stories — featuring his original, playful character cherished by young readers