Educator and cultural icon Basil Cuthbert Rodrigues, 81, was yesterday laid to rest in his home village of Moruca in the north west following a short service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam in the morning.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said that delivering the eulogy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett focused on the national awardee’s life and contribution to the nation. He spent more than 40 years teaching and dedicating even more to his music.
GINA said that Rodrigues traced his life from Santa Rosa to Waini where he was schooled by Roman Catholic nuns and began his musical life.
A series of tributes also lauded Rodrigues’ work and life over the years. Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony expressed sadness on behalf of himself and the staff of the Ministry, GINA said.
Rodrigues was born on June 13, 1932 at Bullet Tree, Waini River before moving in 1940 to Santa Rosa to attend primary school. His wife recalled for Stabroek News last week that he was propelled into a career in teaching as a result of music. “He loved singing and playing his music,” she recalled. His mother felt that he was wasting his time and
