GBI, Busta invests in youth development through school football

Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI), in association with Busta, has renewed its support for the development of youth football with the launch of the seventh annual School Football League 2026, which was officially announced at a presentation ceremony at the company’s conference room at Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Organised by the Petra Organisation, the competition will feature eight secondary schools in a single round-robin format, with matches scheduled for Sundays from October 18 to November 29 at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.
Chase Academic Foundation, Santa Rosa Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary and St Joseph High School will compete for national honours and a place in December’s KFC International Goodwill Tournament.
Speaking at the ceremony, Petra Organisation representative Troy Peters highlighted the longstanding partnership with GBI and expressed gratitude to the company’s management and staff for their continued support.
“Today marks another important milestone between Guyana Beverages Inc and the Petra Organisation, as we extend a very long and fruitful partnership into 2026,” Peters said.
He noted that GBI’s continued sponsorship demonstrated its commitment to sports development in Guyana, adding that the company had also invested in an advertising billboard at the Ministry of Education Ground, where the matches will be played.
GBI Brand Manager Fharis Mohamed said the company was pleased to partner with Busta on an initiative that provides secondary school players with an opportunity to showcase their talent and potentially advance to regional competition.
“We are happy to partner with Busta for this initiative, and to know that we can take something from our secondary schools and go regional,” Mohamed said.
He added that supporting the league was an investment in the future and development of young people, noting that the company looked forward to continuing its involvement in the initiative.
Meanwhile, GBI Operations Manager Ryan Gordon said the company was proud to contribute to youth development after more than 29 years of operations in Guyana.
Gordon highlighted the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities and people who support its brands, describing the partnership as an opportunity to help build the nation’s youth.
He also reflected on the company’s longstanding Caribbean heritage and the importance of supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people.
The competition is expected to provide a platform for emerging football talent while giving the participating schools an opportunity to compete for the title and a place in the International Goodwill Tournament.