Dear Editor,
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I pen this letter to pay tribute to, arguably, one of Guyana’s most loved politicians. I knew Mrs Deborah Backer for many years and I have great difficulty using a single adjective to describe her. There was feisty Debbie, controversial Debbie, jovial Debbie, charismatic Debbie, heckling Debbie, interesting Debbie, witty Debbie, and fearless Debbie, 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 Mrs Backer’s passing triggered initial disbelief on my part. I knew she was not well but I thought she was on her way to 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 had truly left this world after the fourth phone call I received reaffirmed that Deborah Jan Backer had truly gone.
Deborah ‘Debbie’ 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 have created lasting impressions on even the most naïvely political-minded Guyanese. Mrs Backer was never timid or fearful about speaking her mind; if she had an opinion 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 skilfully found ways to make necessary and critical interventions. I had the opportunity to sit on the PNCR executive committee with Debbie Backer; I served alongside her in the parliament; we 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, ya’ll 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, Debbie humbly thanked the people for their support and then exited the stage.
As I reflect on her tenure in parliament there are some interesting moments which immediately cause me to chuckle. One such moment was when she asked Minister Rohee 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. Debbie Backer was an ‘outside the box’ thinker; she thought of the most novel ways to make things happen. I recall that during the Death Squad era we had planned a protest action during a parliamentary sitting against then Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj. 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 a 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 they find comfort in the fact that she has been a positive influence in the life of the nation, and 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.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
