More must be done to document the significant contribution of women in our political life. And more must be done to record the substantive contribution of women to our national development in general. This is necessary to create a full and fair meaning of our historical experience.

Today I extend condolences to the family of the late Mizpah Tertullien. She was an accomplished academic, an author, a former Senator and candidate in the 1972 General Elections which paved the way to our national independence. She was a strong voice in the Council of the PLP.

Indeed Mizpah Tertullien formed the mix of women who have been pivotal in shaping the political development of our country. She stood on the shoulders of those esteemed women who fought for the right of women to vote; those women who worked in the trenches for political freedom and social justice; and those like Mizpah Tertullien herself who took up the mantle to run for political office and whose voices have resonated in the Houses of Parliament.

In this regard Mizpah Tertullien is among the first of women to test the turbulent political waters by becoming a candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party.

The late Senator Mizpah Tertullien therefore in the words of Marion Bethel helped to 'beat back the bush' to make the road for women to journey.

As former Chairman of the PLP Women's Association, as former National Chairman and as current serving regional representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Women's Association I salute Mizpah Tertullien and express immense gratitude for her service to our country.