Signaller, politician Cecil Cunha dies

Last Updated on Sunday, 22 June 2014, 20:46 by GxMedia

Former radio communications expert with the 1935-1938 British Guiana-Brazil Boundary Commission, Cecil Cunha has died.

He died on Friday,June 20, five days away from his 100th birthday.

Cunha, a former member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), would be buried on Thursday after a church service at the St. Andrew’s Kirk.

He is the recipient of a Medal of Service, and an award by the PNC for his long and dedicated service to that party. The PNCR expressed sadness at Cunha’s passing. “The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is deeply saddened at the passing of Mr. Cecil Cunha. Mr. Cunha was a long serving and dedicated member of the Party. The PNCR extends its sincere sympathies to his children, relatives and friends.”

Heuvel Cunha confirmed to Demerara Waves Online News that his father’s health deteriorated rapidly after falling and severely fracturing his shoulder three weeks ago.

A veteran signaller, he was the last surviving member of the British Guiana Brazil Boundary Commission(1935-1938) team. During World War II, he was station at Mackenzie, Linden where he ensured that the telegraphy messages about bauxite shipments did not land in the wrong hands

He also served as Deputy Mayor of Georgetown in 1989. Mr. Cunha worked with the phone company for 45 yrs. (1929-1974) and was Vice Chairman of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).

Cecil Cunha fathered seven children including Lynette Cunha, who is a retired administrator of the Guyana School of Agriculture, and former radio sports reporter, Heuvel Cunha.