PNCR executive member Winston Murray last evening remained in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and a decision will not be made by his family on the next step until later this week when his son arrives from London, England.
Sources told Stabroek News that Murray was still brain dead even as those close to him continue to pray that he makes a full recovery. Last evening some of his close friends were outside the ICU and Dr Richard van West Charles, his lead physician continued to make constant checks on him.
This newspaper was told that the older of the man’s two sons may arrive in Guyana by Thursday.
On Sunday neurosurgeon Dr Ivor Crandon, who arrived in the country from Jamaica on a chartered flight, examined Murray and said that no surgical intervention could be made because of the state of his vital signs including, no responses from his brain.
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 haemorrhaging 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 has been 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.
