Courtney Walsh bowls into Guyana’s restaurant scene

May 22, 2026 Sports

…cricket legend says Guyana was a ‘No-Brainer’ for 519 expansion

By Rawle Toney

Kaieteur Sports – West Indies fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh has taken another major step in life after cricket, officially expanding his 519 Pan-Caribbean restaurant and sports bar franchise into Guyana, while describing the country as the ideal place for business investment at this time.

Nestled at the recently-opened AC Hotel by Marriott Georgetown Guyana at Ogle, the new establishment represents another bold step in Walsh’s post-cricket journey. The iconic Jamaican fast bowler described the location as an ideal fit for the brand, combining modern Caribbean elegance with the vibrant atmosphere 519 hopes to offer patrons.

Courtney Walsh bowls into Guyana’s restaurant scene

West Indies cricket legend, Courtney Walsh, along with Ministers of Government, and investors of the 519 Restaurant.

Walsh, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, believes Guyana’s rapid economic transformation made the move an easy decision for the brand, which first opened in Trinidad and Tobago approximately nine years ago.

The Jamaican cricket icon, who represented the West Indies cricket team in 132 Test matches and 205 One-Day Internationals, finished his illustrious career with 519 Test wickets and 227 ODI scalps.

He was also the first cricketer in history to reach the landmark of 500 Test wickets, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

However, Walsh said building a future beyond cricket has always been a priority.

“I think it’s very important (to have life after cricket). Cricket is just a short lifespan, in terms of professional sports, so for me to be able to be involved with this now is just another challenge, but it’s also to keep you on your toes, keep you going. It’s life after cricket, so I think it’s important to plan while you’re playing, but you’re going to need to do something after the game,” the towering Jamaican stated.

Courtney Walsh sharing a light moment with Minister of Tourism, Susan Rodrigues.

Widely respected throughout the cricketing world for his professionalism and longevity, Walsh explained that Guyana has long been one of his favourite destinations in the Caribbean, not only during his playing days with the West Indies and Jamaica, but also as a visitor away from the game.

That admiration, he said, only grew stronger after witnessing the significant development currently taking place across the country.

According to Walsh, shortly after the launch of 519 in Trinidad and Tobago, he informed his business partners that Guyana should eventually become the franchise’s next major target.

“One of my investors came down to Guyana for a meeting, and he said I was right; lets move to Guyana. So based on what’s happening, it was a no-brainer to come to Guyana,” Walsh said.

Courtney Walsh during his remarks at the opening of his 519 Restaurant at the AC Marriott Hotel.

The former fast-bowling great noted that 519 is designed to separate itself from the traditional sports bar model by offering a blend of casual and upscale dining experiences.

“It’s a sports bar; we are going to have the regular sports bar menu, and then we’ll have the higher-end menu as well, and then we have also created our own sushi bar, which is one of our best sellers.”

Walsh, who remains one of the Caribbean’s most admired sporting figures, said he hopes his transition into business continues to inspire athletes throughout the region to prepare for opportunities beyond their playing careers.

Having his name attached to the brand, he admitted, comes with significant expectations, particularly regarding customer service and quality standards.

“But it’s a good thing, because it means we have to deliver. So, the staff are always under constant pressure. But they trust the brand, and they work behind the scenes,” Walsh explained.

Meanwhile, although not present at the event, Irfaan Ali, through Minister of Tourism Susan Rodrigues, praised Walsh for his remarkable contribution to international cricket and thanked him for placing confidence in the Guyanese market.

According to President Ali, while Guyana continues to position itself as open for business, the Government is actively encouraging investment in sectors beyond oil and gas, as part of its vision of transforming the country into a diverse economic hub and a one-stop destination in the Caribbean.

For Walsh, the move into Guyana represents more than just another business expansion. It is, as he explained, another chapter in a life defined by discipline, ambition, and the willingness to evolve long after the cheering stopped on the cricket field.

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519 Restaurant, Courtney Walsh, Guyana restaurant, West Indies cricket legend

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