Minutes before PNCR-1G MP Winston Murray was buried yesterday in the churchyard of the St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Leguan, doves were released by some of his relatives and friends to signify the races in Guyana and his dream of a united nation, not fragmented by race.
Scores of Leguan residents braved early morning rain to gather at the church to pay tribute to ‘Lloyd’, the name by which Murray was well known on the Essequibo River Island, where he was born in 1941. They turned out to say goodbye to the man who had once served his island as a teacher and accomplished cricketer. His body arrived on the island just after 11 am, and was taken in a procession to the church for the service.
At the church, tributes were paid to Murray from the various administrative regions, close friends, and supporters. PNCR Chairman Cammie Ramsaroop was a no show even though he was expected to deliver a tribute.
Stan Cooke of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and a close friend of the former Deputy Prime Minister, described Murray “as a friend of the highest order”. Cooke, who was also born in Leguan, recounted some of the memories he shared with Murray while growing up on the island. He described Murray as “a polished cricketer” who had considerable skills both as a batsman and a bowler. He also pointed to Murray’s role as a teacher on the island where he impacted the lives of children.
While she had been introduced as speaking on behalf of the PPP/C, Government MP Bibi Shadick made it clear that she was paying tribute to Murray as a friend and as a fellow Leguan resident. According to her, she and Murray had gone to Law School together and had dreamt of establishing legal offices in Leguan so as to allow residents access to quality legal advice. These plans, unfortunately, did not materialize, Shadick said. She said that Murray remained committed to Leguan throughout his years and said it was only fitting that he be buried on the island.
Earl Lambert, a member of the Murray Support Group which had been campaigning for him to become the PNCR Presidential Candidate, reflected on the passion Murray had to improve his country. Murray, he said, only desired one term in office after which he would have handed over to a younger person who he would have trained to continue the vision.
Another close associate of Murray, Dr Richard Van West-Charles urged those gathered to continue to support Murray’s vision for the creation of a Guyana that is free of strife and racial discrimination. “The unity he [Murray] wanted in terms of party and country were undergirded by respect for each other and integrity,” he said. “We have to be truthful, sincere and not be disrespectful”, he said, urging those gathered to speak out against disrespect to others. He said that the struggle was not over and that it will continue until a better Guyana is achieved.
Murray passed away last Monday at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being hospitalized for 11 days. Hours after participating in a sitting of the National Assembly, he collapsed while standing in a line on the East Bank Demerara.
He was rushed to the Balwant Singh Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
It was later determined that
he had suffered severe haemorraghing in the brain and remained unconscious. He was then hooked up to a respirator. Upon examining him, Dr Ivor Crandon had said that there was no sign of brain activity and surgical intervention was not advisable.
Murray never regained consciousness.
On Monday Guyanese turned out in their numbers first at Parliament Buildings, where his body lay in state for several hours before a thanksgiving service was held at the St George’s Cathedral.
