THE National Assembly last Thursday moved a motion to express sympathy to family members and other relatives of the late Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs. Deborah Backer, former Member of Parliament for the political coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Leading the chain of tributes was APNU’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally, who described Backer as one of Guyana’s icons who had adequately filled the void of a good wife, a caring mother, a solider for justice, a champion for women’s rights and a true patriot.

The Chief Whip underscored the fact that Backer held many positions, including that of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Vice Chairperson of the PNC/R, a councillor of the City of Georgetown, and a professional lawyer, among other positions.

She explained that Mrs. Backer had a drive for what she did, and was always quick on her feet, as she was always prepared in the National Assembly.

Ally said that during Mrs. Backer’s parliamentary life, she was actively part of the Privileges Committee, the Committee of Appointment, Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations, the Parliamentary Management Committee, and the Anti-Money Laundering Committee.

“As a contributor to parliamentary debate, Debby participated in almost 87 important subjects for debate, some of which were budget debates, Constitutional Amendment Bills, Childcare and Protection Agency Bill, Prevention of Crime Bill, among others,” Ally said.

Ally noted that while Mrs. Backer has departed physically and has left to mourn her husband, children, siblings and other family members, her memories — which have touched the lives of many will live on.

Echoing Ally’s sentiments was Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who was quick to add that the late Parliamentarian possessed a personality with many sides. He said that Mrs. Backer had a facility for maneuvering her personality to fit the environment she was in; whether it was in court, where she acted in a very radical manner, or in the National Assembly.

Nandlall stressed that Mrs. Backer was “good at what she did” not only in the National Assembly, but in the execution of other duties. He said he was lucky enough to have had her sit just opposite him in the National Assembly, as they would often exchange words on matters they would not agree on.

Nandlall contended that Mrs. Backer’s presence would definitely be missed in the National Assembly, not only by her party, but by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, whom she diligently kept under scrutiny.
Sympathetic remarks were also delivered by Opposition Leader David Granger, and Alliance For Change leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who both expressed sentiments, which noted that Mrs. Backer had been a true champion of the country.

Deborah Backer, who left four children and her husband to mourn, died of cancer in Guyana on the evening of Thursday March 20. Backer had been battling with the sickness since last year, and had resigned as a Parliamentarian and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly just a few months prior to her death.
Written By Ravin Singh