One such incident at the Emerald plantation in the 1940s, led Phillips-Gay to seek out Joseph P. Lachmansingh, who would become the head of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) to try to understand the roots of the problem.

She began working with Lachmansingh as a volunteer,[4][5] visiting plantations throughout the colony and recording grievances and injuries of the cane workers.

[5] In 1948, Phillips-Gay became the assistant general secretary of the GIWU and was an active participant in the Enmore strike, which resulted in workers being martyred for their involvement.

That same year, she ran for a seat in the House of Assembly for the East Central Demerara district and successfully gained 63 percent of the sugar constituent's vote.

[2] In 1955, the PPP split and Phillips-Gay joined the faction led by Forbes Burnham, which became the People's National Congress (PNC).

[1] At the time of her death, the legislature recognized her commitment to her service to the nation[7] and she is remembered each International Women's Day for her contributions.