Guyanese from all walks of life thronged the streets of Albouystown yesterday to bid farewell to former Commonwealth and Latin American boxing champion, the late Andrew Alphonso Murray, MS.

Murray's casket was paraded through his former hometown, following a service at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, before being taken to Le Repentir cemetery for burial.

The 30-year-old Murray succumbed at the Mackenzie Hospital last Saturday night after the vehicle he was driving accidentally plunged off a bridge on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Teixeira, Presidential Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba, Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green and President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) K.D. Persaud were among the dignitaries at the service.

Delivering the eulogy by way of a faulty sound system, Lumumba said that he had been very close to Murray's family.

"I think it is fair to say that Andrew's success as a boxer was based on my management techniques and our mutual passion to succeed."

Lumumba declared that the southpaw fighter came under his wing after a stormy relationship with the GBBC resulting from an unfortunate encounter with opponent Pascal David. "The result of that encounter was my recommendation that he be banned from boxing. During his suspension, he offered his apology which I rejected but because of the charm and persuasion of his mother, Sybil, I decided to withdraw my objection and agree to manage and promote Andrew. From then on he became a success story," Lumumba said.

"Andrew had discipline, he was ambitious, he was strong-willed, he was loving and a good parent. He was a national hero. He contributed to the development of my life and success as a promoter because without Andrew I would have never dreamt of being a promoter. Andrew Murray lived a full life. What he has achieved in 30 years 90 per cent of the world would not achieve in a lifetime. I pledge that we will build on your success. Your dreams will be the guiding light."

Lumumba later read a description of Murray, prepared by the boxer's mother which noted among other things that his contribution to his family relatives and to society was meaningful and significant.

"We would like him to be remembered for the enrichment that he made to the lives of all of us," Murray's mother wrote.

Teixeira declared that at the time of his death Murray was seeking to have boxing promoted in the mining town of Linden, a venture she said many of our promoters were now challenged to do.

"Andrew's excellence in sport did not happen. It was achieved by hard work, dedication, discipline and sacrifice. Andrew's boxing has made us his torchbearers. He now gives us a wonderful opportunity to run with the baton."

Teixeira called on young boxers, trainers, coaches, promoters and supporters to keep Murray's flame burning. "Continue his work. Andrew loved amateur boxing and it is from this group that Guyana produces its professional boxers. We must work together to find and train young boxers. From the Rupununi, the Pakaraimas, Linden, Georgetown, Essequibo, Berbice and the North West. For there we will find new Andrew Murrays and even an Oscar De La Hoya," the minister declared.

"Today we mourn but tomorrow we must work for there is a time and season for everything," Teixeira concluded.

Persaud declared that Murray was a true sport and boxing ambassador of Guyana who brought fame and glory to his native land.

"In his own style he had great capacity and the capability of a skillful boxer, a good and tactful leader, full of charisma and love for young boxers. Qualities which were demonstrated in his ability to train, coach, council, guide and prepare youngsters for local championships, Olympics and professional boxing activities," Persaud said.

Close friend Colin Morgan, who returned from the USA for the funeral stated that the Murray would forever remain in his memory.

The faulty sound system, which improved with the loaning of a megaphone by leader of the Justice For All Party C.N. Sharma, was replaced late in the ceremony just as Pastor John Smith took to the podium.

Following the service Murray's body was driven to his home in North Ruimveldt, escorted by several excited young men on motor cycles. The reckless riding and driving of some in the procession resulted in a number of traffic jams on Aubrey Barker Streets on the downward journey.

Similar incidents occurred in Albouystown whose residents went into a frenzy when the hearse stopped at the corner of James and Garnett Street and the casket was opened for some to get a final look at the son of the soil.