DEAD former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Deborah Backer will be laid to rest on Friday.

This was announced yesterday by the PNCR during a press conference where it was stated that books of condolence will be opened in all 10 Administrative Regions.
On the day of the funeral, the body of the late former executive member of both the PNCR and APNU will lie, briefly, in the forecourt of the Public Buildings before it is taken over to St. Andrews Kirk opposite, also in Brickdam, for the funeral service, thence to the place of burial, at Le Repentir Cemetery, in Georgetown too.
APNU had made the announcement of her death last Friday, after she battled with cancer for a short period, during which she was flown overseas for treatment. However, her condition worsened and she returned home and died.
Yesterday, the PNCR launched the first book of condolence at the party’s headquarters in Sophia, following the press conference and it was signed by Mr. David Granger, who is also Opposition Leader.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the PNCR, Mr. Basil Williams as well as General Secretary, Mr. Oscar Clarke, were among other senior members of the party who affixed their signatures.
The party said, too, that there will be several activities to reflect on the life and work of the former political powerhouse, including a PNCR sponsored wake at the Backer’s home, a night of reflection at the West Demerara Secondary School, documentaries on several television programmes and others which will be planned and held over the next few days.
The Guyana Chronicle has received information that several more organisations to which Backer was connected will be doing their own bit to reflect on the life and contributions of the political heavyweight.
Deborah Backer has served the PNC for almost three decades and was recently honoured on International Women’s Day for her service in the National Assembly.