New AFC faces pledge support to party     

Jul 15, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – The new faces for the Alliance For Change (AFC) party have all pledged to support their party to the end.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, 35-year-old Lilian Joseph, candidate for Region Nine said that should the AFC win the 2025 election, she intends to work diligently for the youth while also looking into the welfare of hinterland residents. “Well, as we all know, the hinterland over the years, people tend to forget that there is the hinterland, the Indigenous people, and there should be more programmes implemented for the Indigenous youth for Region 9 and all across Guyana,” she said.

Joseph shared that she was drawn to the party because she was amazed by the way young people of the party were able to speak truth to power without being sidelined. “I admired that and I believe that this is where I belong. This is where my voice is going to be heard,” Joseph told this publication.

Kerensa Gravesande-Bart, a Region Four candidate shared similar sentiments but her focus is on women and their protection. Gravesande was introduced at the party’s news conference last Friday. She spoke about cracks in the justice system here and as a woman in a senior position in the private sector, she cannot just sit, watch and do nothing.  “When I saw their quota for women on their candidates list that was my major shift, because as Guyana rapidly develops it’s essential that women voices are heard and that we have a seat at the table. As a matter of fact, it’s important that we have a table that’s carved out for us so that we can contribute to how policies are carved and how these policies are implemented,” she said.  The businesswoman said that one of the things that made her join the AFC is the integrity of the people who formed the party, their values and principles which all resonated with her.

Providing a background on Gravensande-Bart at last Friday’s news conference, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes said, “in 2018 Kerry won the inaugural Women in Business Award in Guyana. As you know, one of the major thrusts of the Alliance For Change is not only business, but women in business. And so, Kerry is a perfect fit. In 2019, she went on to fund the women chamber of commerce and industry in Guyana that was groundbreaking.”

The attorney said it was the first time a women’s organisation was dedicated to business in Guyana. He said Gravesande-Bart will be heading up the thrust in making sure that there are increased opportunities for women in business as well as playing a critical role in the AFC’s aim to establish a financial institution or a bank for women.

In her first address to the media as an AFC candidate, Gravesande-Bart said she was honoured by the trust placed in her by the AFC, to potentially hold the country together. “Guyana, many of you may already know me from my years of work within the private sector, but today, allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Kerensa Gravesande-Bart, but everyone calls me Kerry, proud Guyanese, proud Guyanese woman, mother, wife, entrepreneur, advocate for women’s empowerment and youth development and good governance. My journey, like many of yours, has been defined by dreams, hard work and persistence, and above all, my passionate love for Guyana, I’ve had the privilege to co-found several ventures,” she said. The AFC candidate said she has accepted the nomination for a parliamentary candidate of the party, not just as a political figure, but as an advocate and partner in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for every Guyanese citizen. “My vision is clear, a Guyana that thrives economically, stands for good governance, empowers its women and youth and ensures inclusive growth. Imagine a Guyana where opportunities are abundant for youth, where quality education, vocational training and meaningful employment become the norm, not the exception… Today, I invite every single Guyanese citizen to join this movement for positive change. Let’s build a country defined by unity, prosperity, justice and hope,” she added.

Jaipaul Sharma who is also a candidate for the AFC said that he joined the party because he saw excellent leadership qualities in party leader, Nigel Hughes and he believes that the people of Guyana deserve a president who is fair and just for the people. “I decided to support my leader, my president, Nigel Hughes because of the individual that he is. I see a lot of things in common both of us as being both political leaders and more,” Sharma said. Sharma was a minister in the former APNU/AFC coalition government.

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• AFC, candidates, confident, Election, Nomination Day, Regions

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