SPEAKER of the House, Raphael Trotman, extended the National Assembly’s condolences to the family and friends of the late Basil Cuthbert Rodrigues, who was fondly called ‘Uncle Basil’.The Moruca native, the brother of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, was laid to rest on Wednesday.
He married Delores and together they parented four children, two sons – Wally, who is a malarial microscopist at Aishalton; Curtis (attacked and killed by a tiger in the Marudi Mountains) and two daughters, Beverly and Kay.
As a teacher, Rodrigues used both music and sport to help build the students’ confidence and was so successful that his school Shea Primary had the best drama and cricket clubs for years. Although he was a school teacher, he was also given and accepted roles as counsellor and community leader.
In 1992, with the intention of retiring, Rodrigues was nevertheless invited to rejoin the teaching service and taught in the local Santa Rosa Primary School.
In recognition of his work in the Rupununi, Rodrigues was awarded a Medal of Service (MS) twice: in 1989 and 1994, by the Government of Guyana for his dedication towards the development of education, culture and community work. He was also awarded the Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1998 for his teaching and musical endeavours.
In 2003, Rodrigues also received the Wordsworth McAndrew Award for his outstanding contribution in culture and in 2013 he was honoured by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry for long and dedicated service. He was also honoured by Pope John Paul II for his work in the Church in Guyana’s hinterland.
‘Uncle Basil’ was also the author of ‘An Arawak Biography’, which is available at the Walter Roth Museum and he also had a key role in the preservation and promotion of the Arawak culture through songs, poems, plays and dances.
Since his passing a series of tributes have lauded Rodrigues’ work and life over the years.

(By Vanessa Narine)