Businesswoman Kerri Gravesande- Bart steps into political spotlight with AFC

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.

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).

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.”