The GSD held a memorial tribute for the late Terry Cartwright this evening to commemorate her years of service to the party. 

A statement from the GSD follows below:

Her immediate family, Party officers, former Ministers and Executive members were  present. A plaque was unveiled in the main boardroom at the Party’s offices in her memory. 

GSD Leader, Keith Azopardi said: “Terry was a founder of the Party and massively influential in it over three  decades. She was in many respects its life and soul. She felt passionately about Gibraltar, the Party and  always strived to effect positive change. She made a huge contribution to Gibraltar politics and it was my  privilege to call her my friend. She will always be remembered and leaves a lasting legacy in our social  democratic political movement.” 

The tribute recognised and commemorated her influence on Gibraltar’s Political arena and her relentless  commitment to the advancement of women in politics. Terry was an instrumental figure in the creation of  the party and remained passionate and vocal about politics until very recently. She voted in our Executive  Elections in March shortly before she passed away. Her tenacity, determination and strength will always be  a constant reminder of her rightful place in the Party. She was a role model to local women and a standard  bearer for women’s greater involvement in politics. 

The under representation of women in politics in Gibraltar is a serious democratic deficit which the GSD is  acutely aware of. We must do more as a society to encourage and achieve a greater representation of  women in politics and in decision-making opportunities. As one of the most influential women in the local  political arena for more than 40 years Terry was always very aware of this reality, and inspired many women  who later decided to join Gibraltar’s political landscape, both within the GSD and more widely. 

Terry inspired and empowered many people throughout her political career. She provided helpful guidance  and support to senior figures in the Party, Ministers and the Chief Minister during the GSD’s time in office  between 1996-2011. 

A plaque has been unveiled at the GSD Headquarters in lasting recognition and appreciation of Terry and her  dedication and contribution to both the party and Gibraltar’s political landscape.