A household name in Guyana

John Fernandes Ltd is one of the largest and well known companies in Guyana and around the world, including the Caribbean, which has, since its founding, branched into several other business ventures across the country.

Already existing as a small shipping business on a Water Street pier rented by first chairman the late John Fernandes Snr in the 1940s, the company was formally established Oct. 15, 1959. Fernandes was also president of the St. Stanislaus College Association, and received the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) award by royal appointment in 1965 for his public service in British Guiana.
In February 1962, the young company’s offices, wharf and warehouse were destroyed by fire during political riots in the city but were rebuilt shortly after. Despite the nationalisation drive of the PNC under the late former president Burnham during the 1970s, when major companies like Bookers and Sprostons were acquired by government, JFL managed to remain a private entity, and has gone on to receive awards for its services, including its most recent Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Long Service Award.
Over the years, the company began, acquired and became involved in various business ventures. The company’s most recent venture has been JPS Trading Inc, which was founded in 2006. Among others, it also owns Bounty Farm Ltd, a poultry producing company registered in 1976; Fairfield Investments Limited, established in 1985 for rice cultivation and poultry production, and Fernandes Holdings Ltd., a Real Estate Holding Company registered in 1991.
While JFL was founded as, and has remained, a fully owned, private family business, it also owns shares in some of its enterprises, including JP Santos and Company Ltd, a property and investment company that was established in 1910, from which JPS Trading Inc. evolved as a retail trading company that now operates three supermarkets.
When Fernandes Snr retired in 1970, the business was then run by three of his sons: John Jnr who migrated to the US in 1978, Bernard “Bunny” Fernandes who succeeded John Jr and retired in 1992, and current CEO and chairman Chris Fernandes who took over the reins in 1992 upon the retirement of elder brother Bunny. Chris had been involved in the business since the death of John Fernandes Snr in 1982. Today, third generation members are also involved in the company.