It was left up to relatives to make any further decisions after neurosurgeon Dr. Ivor Crandon examined Murray and said that no surgical intervention could be made at the time because of the state of his vital signs including, no responses from his brain.
Several of Murray’s relatives are expected in the country shortly after which a decision will be taken.
Up to press time Murray remained on life support in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). His prognosis remains grim. “Mr. Murray’s wife and family have been fully briefed by the Doctors on his present condition and future action will depend on their decisions”, the PNCR said in a statement yesterday.
“We have done all that we can do”, Dr. Richard van west Charles, close associate of Murray told Stabroek News last evening. He said that Murray’s condition remained he same.
“The family has to meet and discuss the matter and they will do what they have to do”, he said. “We have to continue to pray”.
Relatives, friends and colleagues from the political arena gathered in the waiting area of the ICU sharing memories as they waited yesterday.
Murray, 69, collapsed while standing in a line at McDoom, East Bank Demerara, early Thursday evening and gave his car key to a public-spirited citizen whom he told to take him to the Balwant Singh Hospital. He was later transferred to the GPH.
He suffered cerebral hemorrhaging and is unconscious and on a respirator.
The government flew in Guyanese Dr. Crandon after relatives and colleagues requested his expertise.
The PNCR, in its statement yesterday, thanked him and the doctors and medical personnel at the GPH for the medical care provided to Murray.
The Party also expressed its gratitude to Guyanese at home and abroad who have rallied in support of Murray’s medical care and recovery. It said that prayers are being offered for him and his immediate family.
Over the years, Murray was well-known for leading the opposition’s charge during the annual budget debates in the National Assembly.
He holds the PNCR’s shadow portfolio of Finance and Economic Development. More recently, he announced a bid to be the PNCR’s presidential candidate for next year’s national elections.
Murray had served as a senior minister and deputy prime minister in the PNC administration between 1985 and 1992.
He also served as Head of the Presidential Secretariat in 1985, Head of the Department of International Economic Cooperation from 1983-1984 and as Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Trade from 1983-1984. Murray also had a stint in the Diplomatic Service at the Guyana Embassy in Brussels.
He was elected Chairman of the Party at the Special Congress in February 2003, after the death of former President and Leader of the PNCR, Desmond Hoyte.
In recent weeks he has held a series of meetings across the country after declaring his interest in being the PNCR’s presidential candidate for next year’s elections.
