Basil Cuthbert Rodrigues known as Uncle Basil (June 13, 1932 – May 9, 2014) in Georgetown, Guyana
Educator, composer,musician/singer and storyteller. Basil Cuthbert Rodrigues was born at Bullet Tree, Waini River on June 13, 1932 moving to Santa Rosa in 1940.
He taught in the Rupununi for 40 years, from 1951, living among the Wapisianas, speaking the language fluently. A respected teacher, he was also given roles as counsellor and community leader in the areas in which he served.
In 1991 he retired from Rupununi and returned to Moruca. Taught at the Santa Rosa Primary School from 1992 – 1999. During this time, with the help of Sister Jacinta of Futures Fund, proposed and was instrumental in helping to build the local community health huts in Moruca.
He formed the current Mariaba (Banchikili) band and continues to be the mainstay of the group.
- 1991 – Medal of Service for his community work in the Rupununi
- 1998 – Arrow of Achievement for teaching and musical endeavours.
- 2003 – the Wordsworth McAndrew Award for outstanding contribution to Guyana’s culture and heritage
Basil passed away on May 9th, 2014 after a brief illness.
