A Tribute to Mrs. Deborah Backer

Mar 25, 2014 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I pen this letter to pay tribute and respect to, arguably, one of Guyana’s most loved politicians.
I have known Mrs. Deborah Backer for many years and during those many years I had great difficulty using a single adjective to describe her – feisty, controversial, jovial, charismatic, heckling, interesting, witty, and fearless, to name a few.
Madam Backer, as I sometimes called her, had a personality that was highly infectious, she captivated people with her humour and brilliance. News of her passing triggered initial doubts, anxiety and serious disbelief on my part. I knew she was not well but I thought she was on her way to a great recovery.
I tried to imagine her lying still, lifeless, not breathing but all I could see was a fidgeting and curious Debbie. I tried to imagine her not talking, but the image of her being simply numb did not fit her persona. I was finally convinced she truly left this world after the fourth phone call I received that reaffirmed the “inconvenient truth”. Deborah Jan Backer has truly gone to the great beyond. Debbie was truly gone!
Deborah Backer was no ordinary politician. She was smart, deliberate, tactful, strategic, opinionated, logical and more than anything humorous. Her presentation and hard work in the National Assembly was a testament to her belief in preparation. I believe that it was her work in this arena, coupled with the various roles she played in the PNCR, which has created lasting impressions of her on even the most naïvely politically-minded Guyanese.
Mrs. Backer was never timid or fearful to speak her mind, she had an opinion and she simply thought she had a right to be heard. She took her various responsibilities in the Parliament very seriously and worked to ensure that she represented well. She never let up on an opportunity to represent the people of Guyana as she skillfully found ways to make necessary and critical interventions.
I have had the opportunity to sit at the level of the PNCR executive committee with Debbie Backer, I have served alongside her in the parliament of Guyana; we’ve had several campaign experiences together, we protested alongside each other, we shared many spaces on the local political stage, and there was never a dull moment. Our views did not always coincide but we were always respectful of each other’s views. I am humbled and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with this talented woman, who has certainly helped to reposition, and redefine the role of, women in politics.
We shared our last stage together in December 2012 when I introduced her at a massive public meeting at the Stabroek Market Square. This was a meeting organized by Youth Coalition for Transformation, where the organization announced its support for Mrs. Backer to be Speaker of the National Assembly.
When I called her to inform her of the decision of the group she immediately responded in her usual jovial way “Lurlene y’all ain’t setting me up, right?” We laughed then she humbly expressed gratitude and indicated that she would be at the meeting. To loud cheers and chants of “Debbie, Debbie” from the large enthusiastic crowd, she humbly thanked the people, for their support then exited the stage.
As I reflect on her tenure in the parliament there are some interesting moments which immediately caused me to chuckle. One such moment was when she asked one Minister to spell the “big word” he was pronouncing. Many, including the most obstinate members of Parliament, could not hide their emotions and so simply laughed out loud while others tried desperately to keep a straight face. Debbie’s intervention was sudden and sharp and left her target startled. Madam Backer was an “outside the box thinker” she thought of the most novel ways to make things happen. I recalled that during the Death Squad era we had planned a protest action, during a parliamentary sitting, against the then Minister of Home Affairs. As we tried to decide on the form of action, Debbie suddenly lit up and said ‘let’s wear baby bibs with slogans and put them on in the parliament’ and this we did.
Debbie Backer’s passing is a wound to the PNCR, the National Assembly and to Guyana. She has made her contribution, to national development. Her fight against injustice and discrimination is well noted. Guyana has lost a brilliant and capable politician, a patriot and daughter. The people have lost a role model, and a friend. The PNCR has lost a dependable and capable comrade. I thank her family for sharing her with the rest of us.
Sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the Late Deborah Jan Backer, may you find comfort in the fact that she has been a positive influence in the life of the nation, she has impacted the lives of many, she has made her contribution, she has fought the good fight and God is still in charge.
Mrs. Backer will surely be missed! May her soul rest in peace! Sleep on champion, sleep on!
Lurlene Nestor

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