The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has awarded a $118 million contract to local construction and engineering firm B&J Civil Works for the first phase of the proposed Blue Water Shipping Stadium at D’Urban Park, Georgetown, with construction scheduled to begin next Tuesday, November 10.
The contract was signed on Tuesday, November 3, at the GFF Secretariat in the presence of GFF President Wayne Forde, Second Vice-President Rawlston Adams, General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay and B&J Civil Works Chief Executive Officer Beverly Tapp.
According to the Federation, the procurement process was publicly advertised on August 27, 2026, and attracted bids from six contractors. Following an evaluation by the GFF’s Tender Management Consultant, B&J Civil Works was selected as the successful bidder.
Phase One will focus on site preparation and the development of supporting facilities, including two grassroots mini-pitches, spectator bleachers, floodlighting, male and female dressing rooms, washroom facilities, a security station, perimeter fencing, bridge and culvert infrastructure, and the main entrance and access works.
GFF President Wayne Forde described the project as one of the Federation’s most ambitious infrastructure investments, saying it would provide a foundation for the long-term development of football while supporting Guyana’s broader sports tourism ambitions.
“Investing in modern football infrastructure is fundamental to the long-term growth and sustainability of our sport. The Blue Water Shipping Stadium represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure investments undertaken by the GFF.”
Forde said the Federation was embracing President Irfaan Ali’s vision of positioning Guyana as a regional sports tourism hub and intended to contribute through the development of a facility capable of hosting international competitions.
“We are building a facility that will serve our football, attract international competitions and create lasting opportunities for future generations,” he said.
FIFA and Concacaf provide technical support
The GFF said the project is being advanced with technical support from FIFA and Concacaf, with FIFA providing design and engineering oversight and Concacaf undertaking technical evaluations and offering guidance on operational requirements.
The Federation said this collaboration is intended to ensure that the stadium’s development aligns with the relevant standards and guidelines for hosting international matches.
The two mini-pitches planned under Phase One will also support the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) programme, established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by FIFA, the GFF and the Government of Guyana in 2022.
The facilities are expected to provide schools and surrounding communities with modern spaces for football activities, expanding access to the sport and strengthening grassroots development.
Stadium expected to accommodate 10,400 spectators
When completed, the Blue Water Shipping Stadium is expected to accommodate approximately 10,400 spectators and serve as the home venue for Guyana’s senior men’s and women’s national teams, the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags.
Beyond international football, the proposed multifunctional facility is intended to host GFF Elite League matches, national team activities, concerts, exhibitions, cultural programmes and other public events.
The GFF said the project represents a significant step towards improving the country’s sporting infrastructure, creating opportunities for young people and supporting the development of sports tourism.
The Federation also acknowledged the support of President Ali and the Government of Guyana, while expressing appreciation to Blue Water Shipping for its partnership and contribution to advancing the stadium project.
With the first phase expected to get underway on November 10, attention will now turn to the execution of the $118 million contract and the delivery of the initial facilities that will form the foundation of the proposed national football stadium.
The GFF has presented the project as an investment extending beyond football, with the potential to provide a venue for international sporting events and wider public activities. Its eventual impact, however, will depend on the timely completion of the works and the realisation of the Federation’s plans for the facility.
