Dear Editor,
Now that funeral arrangements have been announced for the late Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and former PNCR executive member, Deborah Jan Backer, I wish to remind the leadership, membership and supporters of the Peoples’ National Congress Reform to be most vigilant. As we celebrate the life of this beloved politician, let us take action to ensure that her last farewell is done in the most dignified of manners; Comrade Backer and her family deserve this much. Debbie Backer, in as much as she had her humorous side, was also very organized and meticulous, and emphasized order; just reflect on her work in the parliament. Let us, therefore, make a deliberate effort to ensure that actions or attitudes which are calculated to have any suspicion of a detrimental effect on this home-going event are quickly suppressed. While we cannot plan for, or predict every example of unwarranted behaviour or ill-intent, we should be able at least to predict and plan to deal with anything which may affect the decency, seemliness and solemnity of the occasion and which it deserves. So even at this time when we are overcome with grief it is imperative that we maintain the composure and frame of mind which can only help to preserve the legacy of Comrade Backer. As Comrade Backer would have said, “You have to cry and still keep yuh eye and ears open.”
Comrade Backer’s home-going celebration is expected to take place in the heart of downtown Georgetown; it is therefore expected that the requisite security and logistical details be worked out by the police and others responsible to ensure that those of us attending the funeral do so with the least amount of frustration. Police ranks should be visibly seen throughout the entire proceedings. In case we forget, Deborah Backer was not just a PNCR or APNU MP, she was indeed a national figure whose main responsibility in the parliament for many years was national security. She has made her contribution to national development; she has made her mark and represented the people of this country well, and as a nation we must use this opportunity to express appreciation for services rendered. We can do this by first ensuring that her final journey on this earth reflects our respect. Her family must be assured that we, as a nation, are truly grateful to them for having allowed Debbie to represent us and make positive contributions in our lives. We are saying farewell to a leader, politician, women and children’s rights activist, mother, wife, sister, daughter, relative, and most importantly, a humble yet accomplished human being. I am confident that the PNCR will do everything in its power to ensure that our fallen comrade gets the send-off she deserves.
May her memories live on.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
