IF THERE is one word that could be used to describe the late Winston Murray, it would be `magnanimous’.
Those who were fortunate to witness and listen to his presentations in the National Assembly would know that he deviated from the traditional style of the opposition parliamentarian of not conceding anything to the government benches.
Mr. Murray, in his presentations, was articulate, informative and constructive in his criticisms and if he felt that the government did something good he did not hesitate to say so.
On one occasion in the National Assembly, speaking on the issue of improvement of infrastructure in this country, he said, unambiguously, that: “We have to give it to them”, meaning that the government has done a good job in improving infrastructure.
On another occasion, he was even chastised by his own party colleagues for supporting the government’s position on the European Partnership Agreement (EPA) which he expressed at a public forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
This happened while he was acting leader of his party and was substantively its chairman, but it triggered his resignation as the latter.
But he remained loyal to his party, always staunchly defending its programmes and policies for which he was highly respected by his party colleagues.
As a person, he was affable and approachable which enabled him to enjoy an amicable relationship with both his colleagues and political opponents and this earned him great respect across the political spectrum.
Perhaps, if Mr. Murray’s political style and approach were emulated by other members of the opposition, the country’s political climate would have been more conducive to national development thus enhancing the process.
While he was firm and uncompromising in his criticisms of the government, he never ventured into the confrontational/antagonistic realm and always dealt with issues, policies and programmes rather than personalities, as is customary with most members of the political opposition.
Immediately following the disclosure and confirmation on Monday night that Mr. Murray had died, President Bharrat Jagdeo issued a message of sympathy.
”I have always enjoyed cordial relations with Mr. Murray. He was someone who did not hold grudges nor allowed differences to be an obstacle to the cultivation of genuine human friendship. He was a dedicated Guyanese who has served his country with distinction and dignity”, the President said.
Indeed, Winston Murray was a patriot and was deeply committed to the development of this country. He was a true son of the soil and will be sorely missed by his family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances and party to which he was always loyal.
In the National Assembly he will certainly leave a void because of his articulate, educative, informative, and well researched presentations.
He was a stalwart and his passing is a sad loss to this country.