West Indies cricket icon and ICC Hall of Famer Courtney Walsh OJ officially commissioned 519 Guyana on Wednesday evening, marking the local debut of the renowned Pan-Caribbean restaurant brand at the AC Hotel in Ogle, East Coast Demerara.
The “Opening Innings” welcomed government officials, members of the business community, invited guests and supporters for an evening celebrating sport, cuisine and Caribbean culture.
The restaurant’s name — 519 — pays tribute to Walsh’s legendary cricketing career and historic achievement of taking 519 Test wickets, a record that made him the first bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach the 500-wicket milestone. Walsh represented the West Indies in 132 Test matches, claimed 227 ODI wickets, and was later inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the region’s greatest sporting figures.
Already established in Trinidad and Tobago, where it has built a reputation for blending sports entertainment with elevated dining experiences, the 519 brand now expands its footprint into Guyana at a time of rapid transformation and growth.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Walsh reflected on his long-standing desire to bring the concept to Guyana.
“I came to Guyana about seven years ago and knew then that I wanted to bring this establishment here,” Walsh said.
He explained that while 519 remains rooted in the familiar atmosphere of a sports bar, the Guyana location introduces a more refined culinary experience designed to offer variety and cater to different tastes.
“We like to use the term fine dining or fine liming. I think that’s the difference we’re going to have. It’s a sports bar and we will have the regular sports bar menu, but we’ll also have a different, high-end menu as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, paid tribute to Walsh’s legacy and drew parallels between the consistency required in sport and the standards necessary to build a successful hospitality industry.
“Hospitality is no longer just about accommodation; it is about identity, experience, quality, excellence and brand-building competitiveness, and this is becoming the norm in a transformative Guyana — a country changing before our very eyes,” Rodrigues said.
“A country once viewed primarily through the lens of its natural resources is now discovering the immense value of its people, its creativity, its cuisine, its music, its landscape, its heritage, and its capacity to create experiences that leave lasting impressions upon visitors and citizens alike.”
Rodrigues said investments such as 519 Guyana reflect a growing confidence in the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors and contribute to a richer and more diverse visitor experience.
Also attending the event were Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and former national cricketer Steven Jacobs, along with Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith, who joined guests for the official opening festivities. In a symbolic nod to his sporting roots, Walsh ceremonially bowled the opening deliveries to mark the official commencement of operations.
Director and Company Secretary Michael Rooplal also welcomed the expansion of the brand into Guyana, expressing enthusiasm for the venture and its opportunities to contribute to the country’s evolving hospitality landscape. He underscored the team’s commitment to delivering quality experiences and building a brand that resonates with both locals and visitors.
Located within the new AC Hotel at Ogle, 519 Guyana combines sport, entertainment and international cuisine infused with bold Pan-Caribbean creativity. The establishment features signature cocktails, premium dining options and a dynamic atmosphere designed to appeal to a broad audience.
