Backer made a major contribution to her party and country’s politics- President Ramotar

Georgetown, GINA, March 22, 2014

 
Reacting to the sudden passing of Former Deputy House Speaker Debra Backer, President Donald Ramotar said her contribution was not only to her political party, but to the national body politic, and will be missed.

The Head State noted that despite being on opposite sides of the political divide, he and Backer always maintained a very good relationship with their last contact being on Christmas Day, last year.

                                                                President Donald Ramotar

“She was very optimistic as is typical of Debbie, and full of life. Even though she was sick, she didn’t allow that to dampen her mood”.

The president extended his sympathy to the family, friends and members of the APNU political party on her sudden passing.

The former Speaker was well known in the legal fraternity as an advocate for women’s rights and in the Parliament for her sharp wit and keen knowledge of the Standing Orders which govern the operations and procedures of the National Assembly

                                                               Debra Backer (internet photo)

Ms Backer was married and had two children. She became Deputy House Speaker after the 2011 General and Regional elections. After becoming a Member of Parliament in1998, she also served as Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Committee, a member of various Select Committees and as the main opposition’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Public Safety and National Security as Shadow Minister of Home Affairs.