Former Deputy Speaker Debra Backer passes on

Debra Backer

Former Deputy Speaker and Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Deborah Jan Backer passed away Thursday night while undergoing treatment in Trinidad and Tobago.

“It is with deep regret that the People’s National Congress Reform mourns the passing of Ms Debbie Jan Backer,” the PNCR said in a statement announcing her death. The PNCR said its General Secretary, Oscar Clarke has ordered that the party flag be flown at half-mast at all PNCR offices around the country.

Backer had served as a parliamentarian for the past 14 years and was forced to resign recently owing to her illness. “On my own behalf and that of the National Assembly, I wish to express our deep and painful sorrow on the passing of a sister, friend, colleague and comrade…,” Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman said in a statement.

Trotman said Backer was a long-standing member of the National Assembly; having served in various capacities from 1998 to 2014. He said at the time of her resignation in January 2014, she was the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Committee; a member of various Standing and Special Select Committees; and the main Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Public Safety, and National Security.

“She has made an indelible mark on the political fabric of Guyana and her monumental contribution in the fight against injustice, inequality, and intolerance will be everlasting,” Trotman added. “Hers was an indomitable and beautiful spirit, and her passing will leave a void that is irreplaceable.  The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk and staff of the Parliament Office extend deepest sympathy to her family, colleagues and friends in this time of grief and sorrow. May her beloved soul rest in peace.”   

During the initial stage of her illness, Backer was flown to Miami, Florida for treatment but returned to Guyana in January.

Backer was an Attorney-at-Law by profession. She obtained a Bachelor of Law (Hons) Degree from the University of the West Indies in 1981, and her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad in 1983. Backer also served as a Councillor in the Georgetown Mayor and City Council in 1994. Up to the time of her death, she served in a number of important organisations such as the Lions Club International and as an executive member of the Women’s Millennium Caucus. The National Assembly o