THE Parliament Office yesterday presented commemorative plaques to three outstanding female parliamentarians, as well as a long-standing staff member of the Parliament in honour of their dedicated services and sterling contributions. The honourees are: Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, PPP/C MP Indranie Chandarpal, former Deputy Speaker, Clarissa Riehl and Parliament staff member, Olga Aaron. Riehl however, was unable to attend the ceremony.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman said women have always been in the vanguard of the struggles faced, and they have solved and continue to solve many of the problems encountered.
“We recognise your contributions and stand in awe as we look on at what you are able to accomplish despite all that you have going on in your personal lives,” he said.
Chief Whip from the Opposition benches, Amna Ally, who presented the plaque to Teixeira, hailed her 21 years of service as a Member of Parliament. During this period, the former Government minister served in many capacities. At present she is serving on eight parliamentary committees.
Teixeira, in her brief remarks, described her service to her country and party as “a great honour”.
Meanwhile, Alliance For Change (AFC) MP, Cathy Hughes who presented the plaque to Chandarpal said that she is an excellent role model for women across Guyana. Chandarpal, who once served as the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, has been in the Parliament of Guyana since 1992.
Parliament staff member, Olga Aaron, joined the public service in February 1989 and served with distinction at the Parliament as a cleaner for over 20 years.
The four women were initially honoured at a ceremony hosted by the Speaker on March 7, in commemoration of International Women’s Day.