–Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Teixeira, says

By Vanessa Narine

AT the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (November 7, 2024), Guyana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award.
Recognised for her longstanding dedication to democracy, human rights, and social justice, Teixeira’s acceptance speech highlighted her storied career in public service, beginning in the 1960s as a young advocate and culminating in her impactful role in the Guyanese Parliament.
The accolade was presented during the conference’s award ceremony, where the Hon. Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, supported by the Hon. Savitri Parag, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, accepted on behalf of her.
In her acceptance speech, delivered virtually, Teixeira expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, underscoring that the honour was a tribute not only to her efforts but also to the values and resilience of the Guyanese people and their Parliament.
“I am both grateful and inspired,” Teixeira said, acknowledging her nation’s journey from colonial-era struggles through transformative democratic advancements.

Teixeira reflected on her early activism, including her time in Toronto, championing anti-apartheid and global liberation causes, which ultimately led her back to Guyana in 1977. Her return to her homeland marked the beginning of a decades-long commitment to governance, equality, and social justice.
“Through it all, I have remained committed to my core belief that governance must be rooted in fairness, equality, justice, and unwavering service to the people,” she stated.
Since her election in 1992, Teixeira has served continuously in Guyana’s Parliament, holding a range of ministerial positions including Minister of Health; Culture, Youth and Sports; and Home Affairs.
Her work in these roles often addressed deeply rooted challenges, from democratising government to reforming health and cultural policies in a once-fragile nation. In her speech, she highlighted her role in advancing a progressive abortion law in 1995, a landmark achievement that helped ensure the rights, safety, and dignity of women in Guyana.

She credited the collaborative voices of female parliamentarians, religious organisations, and civil society groups for the policy’s success.
Teixeira also emphasised her dedication to preserving and promoting Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that it served as a unifying rather than divisive force. She noted that President Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana policy has reinforced national unity, a principle that she said remains integral to the country’s ongoing social transformation.

Among her many achievements, Teixeira expressed particular pride in her role as chairperson of the Human Rights Task Force, where she helped expand human rights protections within Guyana’s Constitution.
“These moments are dear to me, as they underscore the intersection between constitutional rule of law, governance, and humanity,” she reflected.
Teixeira did not shy away from addressing global threats to democracy, cautioning against the rising tide of authoritarianism and erosion of democratic norms.
Reflecting on the recent challenges faced in Guyana’s 2020 elections, she underscored the importance of safeguarding democratic values and institutions.

“When democracy is grounded in the rule of law, inclusion, and equality, society flourishes. But when democracy is undermined, whole nations are in danger, and the most poor and vulnerable suffer the greatest losses,” she warned.
Throughout her speech, Teixeira urged her fellow parliamentarians to be vigilant in defending democracy, advocating for transparency, and upholding accountability both domestically and internationally.
Her message was clear: the work of building and preserving democratic societies is an ongoing task that requires courage and collaboration across political divides.
In her concluding remarks, Teixeira extended her gratitude to her colleagues, the People’s Progressive Party, and the people of Guyana for their trust and support.

She also offered special words of encouragement to the next generation of parliamentarians, reminding them that parliamentary service is a profound responsibility, not an entitlement.
“To the new and young parliamentarians, I remind you that to serve as a Parliamentarian is a privilege and a trust bestowed on you by the people, to serve to the best of your ability with integrity; it is neither an entitlement nor one for self-aggrandizement,” Teixeira said.
As she accepted the Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award, the minister reaffirmed her commitment to the shared values that connect Commonwealth nations: democracy, human rights, and good governance.
The CPA Lifetime Achievement Award represents a resounding acknowledgment of Teixeira’s legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and an inspiring example of principled leadership in public service.
The Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards celebrate active and inspiring parliamentarians excelling in their fields.

The nominee must have been a parliamentarian for over 20 years, and over that time must have: demonstrated an impressive record of achievement as a parliamentarian in their contribution to their parliament and to their country; promoted democracy and good governance within their jurisdiction; and achieved notable and sustainable positive change over the course of their career.
Teixeira was nominated for this prestigious award by the Parliament of Guyana in September 2024.