IMF Says US Tariffs Pose Minimal Risk to Guyana’s Economy

According to the IMF’s latest Article IV report, the U.S. tariff hikes are expected to have a “limited direct impact” on Guyana’s economy, with only 2% of GDP in exports affected. Most of Guyana’s exports—predominantly petroleum—are exempt. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized that while a 38% reciprocal tariff had been floated, it has been paused, and the government is actively engaging with U.S. officials. The existing exemption for oil and gold remains critical, and the administration is optimistic about securing a favorable long-term arrangement.

$500M Transmission Line Set to Boost Energy Supply to Berbice

A major $500M high-voltage transmission project tied to the Gas-to-Energy initiative will connect Georgetown to Berbice, replacing wooden poles with steel towers to enable industrial expansion. The project includes a 46-kilometre access road and new substations to improve energy delivery and reliability across Regions 4, 5, and 6. Vice President Jagdeo highlighted its transformative, though low-profile, impact.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Vehicle Compliance Services (Insurance & Fitness Facilitation)

With traffic cameras set to detect expired insurance and fitness certificates, small businesses can offer mobile or kiosk-based services to help drivers renew documents on time. Services can include document prep, digital reminders, and mobile application support.

Note: This is an immediate opportunity that can operate in partnership with local government or as a private solution near licensing offices.

2. Community Water Infrastructure Support

As Guyana expands treated water access with a $3B investment in Region Six alone, small contractors can focus on sub-tasks like trench digging, well maintenance, and filter installation under subcontracts from larger firms.

Note: Strong potential for local employment and alignment with government tendering preferences for regional development.

3. Local Tour Guides & Diaspora Travel Agents

With Air Transat and other airlines launching direct flights from Toronto, New York, and Europe, there's increased opportunity for microbusinesses offering diaspora-oriented cultural tours, family relocation assistance, and heritage tourism packages.

Note: This aligns with rising diaspora travel and interest in local connection experiences.

Top 3 Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Construction Logistics & Aggregates Hauling

The housing and energy development surge on the East Coast has triggered transport bottlenecks. Medium-scale players can offer better-organized hauling, supply chain consolidation, and contractor support services to meet material delivery needs while addressing traffic concerns.

Note: Strong positioning for those with access to fleets, warehousing, or regional staging yards.

2. Private Security Training & Equipment Supply

With US and RSS partnerships enhancing police training and border security, there’s a need for firms offering vetted private security, drone monitoring, body cam systems, or training modules tailored to new enforcement protocols.

Note: Demand spans both government and corporate clients, especially in extractive and border zones.

3. ICT Integration for Utility Monitoring

As water and energy infrastructure modernizes, medium enterprises can supply and maintain digital tools such as remote water quality sensors, substation control systems, or predictive maintenance software.

Note: Best suited to local ICT firms with technical capacity or global firms with Guyanese partners.

Top 3 Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Industrial Development in Berbice

With a $500M high-voltage transmission line unlocking cheaper, reliable energy in Regions 5 and 6, there is now strong justification to build industrial zones, agro-processing facilities, or logistics hubs in the Berbice region.

Note: First movers can negotiate favorable land deals and government incentives tied to the Gas-to-Energy project.

2. Aviation & Air Cargo Expansion

Air Transat and others entering Guyana signal sustained growth in both passenger and cargo traffic. Large enterprises can invest in airport concessions, cargo handling infrastructure, or even regional aviation services such as inter-Caribbean routes or charter services.

Note: Strong fit for logistics firms and airport infrastructure developers looking to scale with long-term trends.

3. Housing & Urban Infrastructure PPPs

The ongoing rollout of 18,000+ house lots and major road and drainage investments opens the door for large developers to propose public-private partnerships for low-cost housing, gated communities, or integrated township models with retail and health services.

Note: Government is seeking efficiency and quality in housing delivery. Track record and financing capacity are key.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Compliance Concierge (Fitness & Insurance Renewals)

What it is: A mobile or WhatsApp-based service that helps drivers renew expired vehicle insurance and fitness certificates, now that cameras will begin flagging these infractions.
Why now: With the expansion of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), demand will spike for help navigating renewals and avoiding fines.
Execution: Use evenings or weekends to submit paperwork on behalf of clients or provide reminders and document support. Can operate solo or with a small team.

2. Diaspora Travel & Airport Shuttle Services

What it is: A freelance meet-and-greet airport transfer or travel assistant service for Canadians and others visiting Guyana through new flights like Air Transat.
Why now: The rise in direct flights has created a surge in diaspora visitors unfamiliar with local transport or in need of trusted local assistance.
Execution: Offer pre-booked airport pickups, itinerary support, and WhatsApp-based travel guidance. Partner with Airbnb hosts or promote via diaspora Facebook groups.

3. Property Drone Mapping & Site Photography

What it is: A weekend or evening gig offering drone video/photos for contractors, realtors, or families building in new East Coast developments.
Why now: With over 18,000 house lots under development and massive construction underway, people want to monitor and showcase their lots or projects.
Execution: Invest in a quality drone, learn basic mapping/photo skills, and charge per session. Minimal ongoing costs once equipment is in place.