‘Nothing short of exceptional’ – President congratulates Minister Teixeira on prestigious Commonwealth award 

President Dr. Irfaan Ali congratulated seasoned politician and current Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira on her Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award.

Teixeira was bestowed with the award on Thursday in Sydney, Australia.

“You have dedicated all of your adult life to Guyana and in Service of every Guyanese. You have been nothing short of exceptional in the execution of every task you undertook.

“You are an outstanding citizen and an asset to Guyana. I am privileged to see in close proximity your selfless service, remarkable commitment, humility, and sacrifices for this land of ours,” the President said.

The Head of State acknowledged that she continues to serve the government and the nation, and assured her that her service is invaluable.

“Continue to shine in beauty, intellect, success and service of the people of our country,” he said.

The Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards celebrate active and inspiring Parliamentarians excelling in their fields. To receive the Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

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. Following her nomination, she was selected as this year’s recipient after meeting all outlined criteria of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Minister Teixeira’s distinguished parliamentary service spans more than three decades, marked by her commitment to principled leadership, her leadership in the areas of Governance, accountability and consultation.

The Minister’s dedication to serving her constituents and the public has been exemplar, and she has earned the respect and trust of her colleagues while demonstrating an unwavering dedication to country, duty, skillfully leading her teams, and fostering collaboration among parliamentary members.

Although she humbly avoids praise, Minister Teixeira’s record of leadership is inspiring. She has served in four ministerial roles since 1992:
– Minister of Health (1992-1997)
– Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (1998-2005)
– Minister of Home Affairs (2005-2006)
– Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (2020-present)

In addition to her roles as Minister, Ms. Teixeira served as the Presidential Advisor on Governance (2006-2015), where she established and led the Governance Unit within the Office of the President. Her current portfolio builds upon this foundation, and she continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to governance and public service.

Minister Teixeira’s leadership within Parliament has been exemplary. She has served as both Government Chief Whip and Opposition Chief Whip, holding these key roles during critical periods from 2012 to 2015, 2015 to 2019, and from 2020 to present.

As a longstanding member of the Parliamentary Management Committee, Minister Teixeira has provided valuable guidance, helping to foster consensus on complex issues, and encouraging a spirit of cordiality in the House. Her influence extends regionally and internationally, where she continues to mentor Parliamentarians.