–Teixeira, winner of the Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award, says

By Vanessa Narine

At the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held yesterday (November 7, 2024) in Sydney, Australia, Guyana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, received the prestigious Award of Commonwealth Parliamentary excellence for his entire career.
Known for her long-standing dedication to democracy, human rights and social justice, Teixeira’s acceptance speech highlighted her storied career in public service, which began in the 1960s as a young activist and culminated in her defining role in the Guyanese Parliament.
The award was presented at the conference awards ceremony, where Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, supported by the Hon. Savitri Parag, MP, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, accepted on his behalf.
In his acceptance speech, delivered virtually, Teixeira expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, stressing that the honor was a tribute not only to his 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 country’s journey from colonial-era struggles to transformative democratic advances.

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

She attributed the policy’s success to the collaborative voices of women parliamentarians, religious organizations and civil society groups.
Teixeira also emphasized his commitment to preserving and promoting Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that it serves as a unifying force rather than a divisive one. She noted that President Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana policy has strengthened national unity, a principle she said remains integral to the country’s ongoing social transformation.

Among her many accomplishments, Teixeira expressed particular pride in her role as Chair of the Human Rights Task Force, where she helped expand the protection of human rights in Guyana’s Constitution.
“These moments are dear to me because they highlight the intersection between the constitutional rule of law, governance and humanity,” she said.
Teixeira did not shy away from tackling global threats to democracy, warning of the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms.
Reflecting on the recent challenges faced during Guyana’s 2020 elections, she stressed the importance of safeguarding democratic values ​​and institutions.

“When democracy is based on the rule of law, inclusion and equality, society flourishes. But when democracy is undermined, entire nations are at risk, and the poorest and most vulnerable suffer the greatest losses,” she warned.
Throughout his speech, Teixeira urged his parliamentary colleagues to be vigilant in defending democracy, advocating transparency and upholding accountability, both nationally and internationally.
His message was clear: the work of building and preserving democratic societies is an ongoing task that requires courage and collaboration across political divides.
In his concluding remarks, Teixeira expressed gratitude to his colleagues, the People’s Progressive Party and the people of Guyana for their trust and support.

She also gave special words of encouragement to the next generation of parliamentarians, reminding them that parliamentary service is a profound responsibility and not a right.
“To the new and young parliamentarians, I remind you that serving as a parliamentarian is a privilege and trust bestowed upon you by the people, to serve to the best of your abilities with integrity; it is neither a right nor a right to self-aggrandizement,” Teixeira said.
In accepting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Lifetime Achievement Award, the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to the common values ​​that unite Commonwealth nations: democracy, human rights and good governance.
The CPA Lifetime Achievement Award represents a striking recognition 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 recognize active and inspiring parliamentarians who excel in their field.

The candidate must have been a parliamentarian for more than 20 years and, during this period, have: demonstrated an impressive record of achievement as a parliamentarian in his contribution to his parliament and his country; promoted democracy and good governance within their jurisdiction; and have made notable and lasting positive changes during their careers.
Teixeira was nominated for this prestigious award by the Parliament of Guyana in September 2024.