Mayor of Bartica Martin Anthony Murray has died, President Irfaan Ali announced today.
In a statement, Ali said he was deeply saddened by Murray’s passing and extended condolences to his family, colleagues, friends, the Bartica Town Council and residents of the Region Seven municipality.
It is understood that on Tuesday the mayor suffered a heart attack and was medevacced to Georgetown.
Ali described Murray as a committed public servant who had moved from the business community into municipal leadership.
“Mayor Murray devoted himself to the service of the people of Bartica and to the development of the town he proudly represented,” the President said.
He added that Murray had been a visible advocate for improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and public services in Bartica.
“His passing is therefore a loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the municipality of Bartica and to the wider Region Seven community,” Ali said.
Murray, a businessman and former executive of the Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry, became mayor following the June 2023 Local Government Elections.
Stabroek News had reported that the PPP/C and APNU each secured nine seats on the 18-member council. The PPP/C, however, received 1,784 votes compared with APNU’s 1,601, marking a significant advance by the governing party in a municipality traditionally controlled by the PNCR-led
Murray was subsequently selected as mayor and took the oath of office before President Ali in August 2023, alongside Deputy Mayor Gail Ann Persaud.
During his tenure, Murray advocated for improvements to the town’s water supply, tourism prospects, sanitation services and infrastructure.
In July 2023, he accompanied GWI officials during an assessment of possible sites for a new water source and treatment plant to serve residents of Five Mile and the Seven Mile housing development.
He also supported efforts to promote Bartica as a tourism destination and welcomed the introduction of the “Ride Along GY” bicycle tour, which he said would showcase the municipality’s natural beauty and strengthen its place on Guyana’s tourism map
In December 2024, Murray welcomed the opening of an office in Bartica by GMIN Ventures ahead of the proposed Oko gold-mining project, while stressing the importance of collaboration and integrity in delivering benefits to the region.
Ali said Murray’s contribution to Bartica’s development would be remembered.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family be comforted in this difficult hour,” the President said.
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