YGB’s NSBF set for historic 19th edition with participation from Essequibo and Berbice

Jun 13, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) continues to raise the standard of youth competition in Guyana, providing student-athletes with year-round opportunities to compete and develop. Yesterday, the organisation, alongside key partners KFC Guyana and Beharry Limited, officially launched the 19th Annual National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF), one of the country’s premier youth sporting events.

Present at the launch were Beharry Limited Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers, KFC Guyana Marketing Manager Jonathan Milford, Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, and YBG Co-Directors Rayad Boyce and Chris Bowman.

YGB’s NSBF set for historic 19th edition with participation from Essequibo and Berbice

Top seeded schools attended YGB’s historic KFC NSBF launch. Seated are Chris Bowman YBG’ co-director, Beharry’s Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers, KFC Marketing Analyst Jonathan Milford, Assistant DoS Franklin Wilson and Rayad Boyce also co-director.

What began some 18 years ago as a modest Under-18 school’s tournament has evolved into one of Guyana’s largest youth basketball competitions, engaging more than 13,800 student-athletes since its inception. Through consistent growth and development, YBG has established a brand synonymous with excellence in youth basketball.

This year’s championship is set to be historic, with teams from Essequibo and Berbice joining the tournament for the first time alongside the top-seeded schools from Georgetown, the East Coast, and Linden.

The NSBF represents the culmination of YBG’s regional championship, bringing together the nation’s best school teams to compete for four national titles. With approximately 40 percent of the Regional Playoffs already completed and champions crowned in the Georgetown-City and East Coast-Country Regionals, attention now turns to the remaining competitions in Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden, which will determine the final qualifiers and seedings.

KFC Guyana reaffirms its commitment to hosting YBG’s NSBF, company Marketing Analyst Jonathan Milford attended yesterday’s launch.

Four championships will be contested when the tournament tips off on June 28 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Student-athletes will battle for Boys’ Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 titles, along with the Girls’ Under-16 championship.

Speaking at the launch, YBG Co-Director Chris Bowman emphasized that the organization’s mission extends far beyond competition.”YBG is not simply about organizing tournaments. Our primary focus is youth development and creating student-athletes who are equipped for success both on and off the court,” Bowman stated.

While celebrating the launch of the tournament’s 19th edition, organisers also acknowledged the unwavering support of its corporate partners. Beharry Limited enters its 15th year of sponsorship, KFC Guyana continues its third consecutive year of support and second as title sponsor, while G-Boats marks eight years of partnership.

Edward B. Beharry Limited Project Marketing and Brands Manager, Malisa Jeffers speaking at yesterday launch.

Their continued commitment reflects the confidence that corporate Guyana has placed in YBG’s vision and its nearly two-decade-long effort to promote and develop youth basketball across the country.

“This partnership not only marks fifteen consecutive years of commitment, but it also reflects Beharry’s core belief that investing in youth sports is investing in the future,” said Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers during her feature remarks.

Jeffers further highlighted the impact of the programme over the years.”We have witnessed firsthand how this initiative has helped shape young athletes into confident leaders who embody teamwork, discipline, and strong character. We are proud that our support has contributed to providing the stability and resources necessary to sustain this important youth tournament.”

Representing KFC Guyana, Jonathan Milford underscored the company’s commitment to youth development through sport.”Supporting tournaments like the NSBF is one of the ways we give back to our communities. Investing in our young people and creating opportunities for them to grow through sport remains an important part of that commitment,” Milford noted.

KFC Guyana will serve as title sponsor of the 19th Annual National Schools Basketball Festival with support from longstanding partners Beharry Limited, G-Boats, Banks DIH, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Beharry Limited, KFC Guyana, National Schools Basketball Festival, Youth Basketball Guyana

Latest News