Bartica Mayor dies, hailed for commitment to service

Mayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, has died days after suffering a heart attack.

Murray, a longstanding community figure in the Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) township, served as a councillor before becoming Mayor following the 2023 Local Government Elections. Mayor Murray suffered a heart attack on September 8 and was subsequently medevacked to Georgetown for medical attention. However, he succumbed while receiving treatment. Following his death, tributes have poured in from across the region and the wider nation. In a post on Facebook, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday expressed deep sadness after learning of the passing of Mayor Murray, whom he said devoted himself to the service of the people of Bartica and to the development of the town he proudly represented. “His journey from the business community to the advancement of his community was a reflection of his commitment to service. As Mayor, he was a visible and energetic advocate for Bartica, speaking passionately on the needs of its residents and on the importance of infrastructure, economic opportunity and improved services. He understood that the development of Bartica was aimed at a better quality of life for its people,” the president stated. According to the Guyanese Leader, Murray’s passing is a loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the municipality of Bartica and to the wider Region Seven community. “May they draw strength from the knowledge that Anthony Murray gave of himself in service to his community and that his contribution to the life and development of Bartica will be remembered,” Ali stated.

Meanwhile, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven in a statement on Friday described the passing of Mayor Murray as a deeply painful loss to the Bartica community and to the wider Region. “He was more than a Mayor; he was a dedicated public servant, a community leader, and a son of Bartica who gave of himself in service to the people,” the RDC stated. It went onto say that through his commitment, leadership and concern for the development and well-being of Bartica, Mayor Murray touched the lives of many. According to the RDC, “His contribution to the community will remain a meaningful part of Bartica’s history, and his service will be remembered with gratitude and respect. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Bartica and with all those who are grieving this tremendous loss.”