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Years ago, in 2018, Kerensa “Kerri” Gravesande-Bart co-founded Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc. That was a 100% Guyanese recruitment and staffing company focused on training locals so they could grasp employment opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

Then, the oil and gas hadn’t yet taken off, and perhaps, nobody really imagined Guyana would become such a global hotspot after production started in December 2019.

Kerri, however, was convinced that Guyanese needed to get trained- and trained quickly with the requisite international certifications- to really capitalise on the opportunities she knew would be coming their way.

Kerri Gravesande- Bart with the AFC team on Nomination Day (Photo: News Room/ Shaconeil Burnette/ July 14, 2025)

And since she was already helping a foreign company with its manpower needs, forming her own company to focus on staffing support for Guyana’s exciting oil and gas sector was a no-brainer.

Kerri later moved on from this venture, selling her majority stake in the company, and now holds a significant ownership interest in Symmetry Brokerage and Logistics. This company offers logistics services across Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and the United States.

Over the years, her business acumen allowed her to make her mark but she didn’t confine herself to commercial ventures. Kerri was keen on empowering others, especially women like herself. So 2019, she co-founded the Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry Guyana and was elected the body’s first President.

That body set out to address the unique challenges women face in business, providing them with resources and support. Kerri was a huge part of the chamber’s outreach focus, serving as a mentor and motivator for other women in business.

Now, she’s leveraging her business experience and stepping into the political spotlight with the Alliance for Change (AFC).

Kerri Gravesande- Bart with the AFC team on Nomination Day (Photo: News Room/ Shaconeil Burnette/ July 14, 2025)

In an interview with the News Room, Kerri said it was her work in the business sector- from leading her firms to her advocacy for women and inclusion- that made her realise politics was for her.

“As I built my career, I found myself engaging with policymakers on issues affecting entrepreneurs and women.

“… my introduction to politics came through championing causes I care about – like women’s economic empowerment – and realizing that effective leadership sometimes means stepping into the policy arena. Those early advocacy efforts were my first taste of political engagement, and they taught me the value of having a seat at the table when decisions are being made,” Kerri explained.

What was clear to her is that politics isn’t just what happens in the Parliament. It’s about navigating policy change from the ground up and engaging stakeholders so that things get done. And Kerri believes that by stepping into this arena, she can further contribute to a more inclusive, equitable Guyana.

Of course, she could’ve pursued this ambitious goal through volunteerism, policy advising, or strengthening civil society groups- and she has given serious thought to those avenues- but a gentle nudge from those around her helped her make the decision. And she decided to join the AFC because that party’s values and vision resonate with her ideals.

“I’m bringing my background in team-building from the corporate world to this effort, and I’m learning from seasoned political colleagues in return,” Kerri said.

And she’s clear on the specific policies, plans and programmes she is passionate about. Education and skills training, women and youth empowerment, good governance and accountability are some of what she is focusing on with the AFC.

“I’ve never shied away from speaking up for those who weren’t being heard – from women breaking into business, to supporting the LGBTQ community’s right to be included without discrimination. In this new role, that advocacy only amplifies. Everyone deserves a seat at the table of progress. So I see myself as a bridge-builder, bringing voices from the grassroots into the rooms where decisions are made,” Kerri highlighted.

Convinced that she has the will, experience and business acumen, Kerri is ready for the weeks of campaigning ahead of the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.

She affirmed, “Yes, it’s my first foray into electoral politics, and I’m throwing my heart and energy into it alongside the team.”

The post Businesswoman Kerri Gravesande- Bart steps into political spotlight with AFC appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Police are investigating an armed robbery that left two women traumatised after they were attacked at gunpoint in their own yard at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, on Thursday night.

The incident occurred at around 21:30 hrs. The victims have been identified as 26-year-old teacher Rayleen Patterson, who lives at Parfaite Harmonie, and her aunt, Alicia Brown of Sophia.

Reports indicate that the women were standing in Patterson’s yard when two men on a motorcycle rode up and confronted them.

One of the suspects, described as wearing a black face mask, black jeans, a black T-shirt and black Polo slippers with white logos, brandished a handgun and ordered the women to hand over their valuables. His accomplice was dressed in black-and-white boots, grey pants, a black face mask and a white shirt.

Fearing for their lives, the women complied. The bandits escaped with Patterson’s gold chain worth an estimated $350,000, as well as $50,000 in cash and a pair of gold earrings valued at $25,000 belonging to Brown.

After the robbery, the suspects fled westward on the motorcycle. Police were alerted and arrived shortly after but the men had already disappeared into the night.

No arrests have been made so far. Ranks have launched a search for the suspects as investigations continue into the latest incident to unsettle the usually quiet community.

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Police have launched an investigation into the death of Ron Clarke, a 30-year-old taxi driver whose body was discovered in Victory Valley, Wismar Linden, on the evening of Thursday.

Clarke, who lived at William Street, Kitty, and also at Lot 76 Wisroc Housing Scheme, was found lying motionless in a drain at around 19:15 hrs. According to a 19-year-old construction worker, he was walking along a street in Victory Valley when he came upon Clarke’s body and immediately raised an alarm.

The injured man was quickly pulled from the drain and placed into a passing vehicle which took him to the Linden Hospital Complex. However, doctors there pronounced him dead there.

A preliminary examination of Clarke’s body revealed multiple gunshot wounds: five to his right arm, two to the groin, one to the right hip and six to his right thigh. Police also recovered a warhead in Clarke’s underwear.

Crime scene investigators processing the area noted that the street where the incident occurred runs east to west and is lined with small snack bars and shops on either side — all of which were closed at the time of the shooting.

During the search, investigators found a pair of black and white Adidas slippers stained with blood on the southern side of the street. They also recovered ten spent 9mm shells nearby. Both the spent shells and the slipper were secured and sealed in an evidence bag to be sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

Clarke’s body has since been taken to the Jetsco Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Police have already questioned several people in the area as they work to piece together what led to the deadly shooting.

Investigations are continuing.

The post Taxi driver found dead in Victory Valley drain with 14 gunshot wounds — Police appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Main Street Avenue will once again come alive with colour, culture and the spirit of freedom as the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) prepares to host its much-loved African Marketplace — part of this year’s Emancipation Festival.

Queen Mother Atyang, speaking at the festival’s launch earlier this week, reminded the public that the bustling street fair has grown from just a handful of stalls decades ago to a thriving village that now stretches from Church Street to Middle Street.

“This is really an African village out there,” she said proudly. “Over the years, we have grown so much that we now occupy the entire Avenue. It’s a place where people come to find beautiful African clothing, handcrafted jewellery, headwraps, sandals — everything that connects us to our roots.”

Vendors at the marketplace offer more than just ready-made items — they tailor outfits on the spot to ensure festival-goers can truly represent their heritage in style. Queen Mother Atyang encouraged patrons not to wait until the last moment, but to visit early, have items measured and made to fit perfectly.

New additions this year include a dedicated ‘food mart’ — a first for the festival — where all culinary delights will be grouped together, serving everything from traditional African dishes to modern twists on old favourites. The event will also feature a special historical display chronicling over 400 years of Africans in Guyana, including the 1823 Demerara Revolt which paved the way for emancipation.

With fashion shows, art, craft, organic produce and music, the Main Street African Marketplace remains at the heart of the festival’s mission to celebrate identity and community.

“This is our time to embrace who we are,” Queen Mother Atyang said. “Come out, support our vendors, wear your heritage proudly — and let us continue to grow together.”

The post Main Street transformed into vibrant African village for Emancipation Festival appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A second auction for oil blocks offshore Guyana could be held in 2026, according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

However, the government wants to complete seismic surveys offshore before that auction. Several companies are interested in conducting these surveys, and on Thursday, the Vice President said the government may allow multiple companies to do the surveys.

“Now if we can (complete the seismic surveys), we expect that you will have some really serious bids for the new auction,” Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), said.

These surveys are used to identify potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. If these new seismic surveys are done offshore, Guyanese authorities would have a better understanding of what other oil reserves exist offshore.

Guyana’s proven oil reserves are estimated at 11 billion barrels.

Guyana launched its first oil blocks auction in 2022. A total of six firms were awarded eight different blocks in 2023; a total of 14 blocks (11 shallow and three deepwater blocks) were up for grabs. Negotiations are still ongoing and it is not likely that any agreements will be inked until the country’s elections, slated for September 1, are completed.

Already, the government finalised a new model petroleum agreement and updated legislation for the petroleum sector. These are prerequisites that the government said it wanted ahead of the award of blocks in the first auction and before another auction.

Oil blocks auction: Gov’t hopes to finalise awards by year end

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The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has not yet promised any candidate a position in government should the party be re-elected but its General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said young candidates will be involved in capacity-building exercises.

During his weekly press conference, he highlighted the inclusion of several young persons on the PPP’s list of candidates for the 2025 General and Regional Elections. One candidate, Jagdeo said, is 18 years old.

Asked about the role these young candidates may play should the party assume office again, Jagdeo explained that there have been no promises. However, he said there will be a focus on “building capacity,” particularly among the young candidates.

“We’re pleased that people came on the list but right now we have no promise,” Jagdeo said.

He was also asked about the inclusion of Nigel Dharamlall on the party’s list of candidates for the 2025 elections. Mr. Dharamlall resigned from the government after rape allegations were levelled against him. The complainant did not proceed with the case and the Director of Public Prosecutions noted that there was no basis for charges.

Again, Dr. Jagdeo reiterated that no candidate has been promised a government role or any other role.

The post No candidate promised a gov’t role yet – Jagdeo appeared first on News Room Guyana.

With thousands of Guyanese employed offshore, in the mining and bauxite sectors, and other operations that often require extended stays away from home, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reminding employers that they are legally bound to give workers reasonable time off to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, set for Monday, 1st September, 2025.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, GECOM highlighted that many citizens may be stationed or required to work away from their polling districts on election day — a reality for many in the country’s critical oil and gas, mining, logging, and construction sectors.

Quoting the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), Cap 1:03, GECOM stressed that Section 81 (1) makes it mandatory for employers to grant paid time off for employees to cast their ballots.

“Every employer shall permit every elector in his employ, other than any elector on whose behalf another elector has been appointed to vote as a proxy, to be absent from his work on election day for a reasonable time, in addition to the normal midday meal hour, for the purpose of voting at the election,” the Act states.

It further warns that no deductions from wages or other penalties should be imposed for taking this time off.

The Commission is encouraging employees to be proactive and engage with their employers ahead of time to arrange the necessary time away from duty.

Failure by employers to comply is not only illegal but constitutes an election offence. According to Section 82 of ROPA, any employer who refuses or attempts to block an employee from voting — whether directly or through intimidation or undue influence — faces a fine of $65,000 and could be imprisoned for up to six months if convicted.

“Employees must remember that voting is a constitutional right, and employers are duty-bound to respect that,” GECOM said.

In the lead-up to the polls, GECOM is urging employers and workers alike — especially those whose jobs take them offshore or into Guyana’s interior for weeks or months at a time — to put systems in place now to ensure they are able to vote on election day.

This election is expected to see a record number of voters registered across Guyana’s ten regions, with many observers already pointing to the crucial role that thousands of workers in the oil and gas sector, mining camps, and bauxite operations could play in deciding the outcome.

The post Employers must allow staff to vote on September 1 – GECOM reminds appeared first on News Room Guyana.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday said that government ministries and bodies could be reorganised so that government services are delivered more efficiently.

“We’re constantly looking to see how we can do better what we are doing in government,” Jagdeo told reporters at his weekly press conference at Freedom House.

Jagdeo is currently Guyana’s Vice President, and the party he leads governs Guyana. The PPP is seeking re-election in a few weeks when the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections are held.

Ahead of those elections, Jagdeo and other party leaders have outlined some of the PPP’s plans for another term in office. Improving government efficiency, he said, will be a key area of focus.

However, he said this doesn’t mean there will be new government ministries.

“It is not our intention to grow the number of ministries but to ensure that work is done in a more effective way to support the citizens of this country,” Jagdeo noted.

He also explained that the reorganisation planned will involve managing people’s workloads and using different tools, including digital tools, to guarantee efficiency.

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Press Release from the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana

The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) proudly confirms the rescheduled date for its 2025 flagship event: the highly anticipated Chelsea Football Club Event, which will now take place on Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at the iconic Stamford Bridge Stadium, home of English Premier League’s Chelsea Football Club, located on Kings Road, Chelsea, London, UK.

This new date replaces the previously scheduled event on September 11th, which was postponed due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.

The venue and programme remain unchanged, preserving the integrity and impact of this exceptional UK-Guyana business engagement.

Stamford Bridge offers a world-class setting for this flagship BritCham Guyana event, which will include a vibrant line-up of activities such as:

– Corporate presentations

– Panel discussions

– Official Chelsea Football Club stadium tour

– Meet and greet with familiar faces

– Cocktail reception with live music and networking opportunities

In the lead-up to the event, Chairman of BritCham Guyana and former FIFA-licensed football agent, Faizal Khan, stated: “With Guyana now the UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean, accounting for 34% of all trade, this is not an event to be missed. Football offers a powerful bridge for business dialogue, especially when meeting new contacts.

“Our Chelsea FC event provides a dynamic platform for Guyana’s business community to tap into British football history and connect with UK businesses of all sizes. For UK stakeholders, it’s an ideal gateway into Guyana’s booming economy. We welcome all interested parties to come and be part of something extraordinary.”

This event offers a unique opportunity for meaningful cross-sector networking and investment dialogue between UK and Guyanese enterprises.

The post BritCham Guyana confirms Chelsea FC flagship event at Stamford Bridge for November 6 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday said the party has focused on developing key infrastructure while in office since 2020 and will work to vastly improve communities in the next five years.

Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference, explained that the PPP government had been engaging citizens for years. Now, the party wants to respond to people’s needs.

As he and other party leaders have been doing for the past few weeks, Jagdeo unveiled some of the party’s plans for another term in office if reelected. Those plans include community improvement ventures such as installing security cameras and lights, improving garbage collection and developing or rehabilitating recreational facilities.

“We listened and we ensured that their biggest concerns are reflected in our policies for the next five years,” Jagdeo told reporters.

This community-level focus, Jagdeo said, is a priority because citizens have been engaging the party on what they want. But that’s not the only focus of the party. The General Secretary vowed that the party will continue to develop and execute national ventures meant to stimulate the economy and improve people’s lives.

Jagdeo also committed to raising wages and salaries for public servants and increasing cash grants and the old-age pension.

The post ‘Huge focus’ on improving communities in the next five years – Jagdeo appeared first on News Room Guyana.