Guyana, Suriname in Advanced Talks on Corentyne Bridge

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced that discussions between Guyana and Suriname on constructing the Corentyne River Bridge have reached an advanced stage. The bridge is part of a wider infrastructure push aimed at boosting regional trade, particularly with Brazil, and addressing the limitations of Guyana's small domestic market. Singh also highlighted ongoing work on the Linden-Lethem Highway and port improvements as key elements of Guyana’s regional integration strategy.

Battery Storage System Arrives for Gas-to-Energy Project

A major milestone was reached in Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project with the arrival of a 30MW Backup Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the John Fernandes Wharf. Provided by LNDCH4, the system enhances grid stability and supports uninterrupted power in emergencies. It is expected to improve power reliability and support Guyana's energy transition.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Eco-Transit & Excursion Service for CPL/WCPL
Guyana is hosting both the Women's and Men's CPL this year. Small operators can offer shuttles from hotels to stadiums and bundle them with short tours or airport transfers. Even a single 12-seater van and a well-run WhatsApp booking system could generate strong margins.

Why it works: The influx of visitors will overwhelm existing transport options. Many lodges and small hotels don’t offer in-house logistics. Fast-moving small players can grab short-term contracts with travel agents or hotel desks.

2. Compliance-as-a-Service for Rural Tourism Businesses
22 small tourism firms just graduated from the CLBD’s ElevateAll program. Most still need help with GRA, NIS, bookkeeping, or basic insurance. A micro-firm offering fixed-rate monthly services (GYD 75K–150K) could land 10–20 clients easily.

Why it works: These businesses are small but scaling. The government and Exxon are investing in their growth, but most still lack back-office capacity. This creates predictable recurring revenue for a lean consultancy.

3. Solar & Battery System Maintenance Services
With the arrival of the 30MW battery energy system for the national grid, attention will shift to energy reliability. Small businesses can offer servicing, cleaning, and minor maintenance for backup battery and solar installations in clinics, hotels, and rural offices.

Why it works: As these systems proliferate, so does the need for upkeep. You don’t need to be an engineer to offer cleaning contracts, regular inspections, or subcontract diagnostics.

Top 3 Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Cross-Border Trucking and Bonded Logistics
With the Corentyne River Bridge and Linden–Lethem road progressing, medium-sized firms can start trucking routes between Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. Cold-chain transport for perishables, bonded warehousing in Corriverton, and customs processing are all gaps.

Why it works: Infrastructure is improving ahead of logistics capacity. Early players will build key relationships with exporters and government agencies.

2. Nurse and Healthcare Staffing Agency
Guyana is importing nurses and healthcare workers due to major staff shortages. A regional staffing firm that recruits, processes, and places nurses from the Caribbean or the Philippines can offer two-year contracts and handle housing, relocation, and onboarding.

Why it works: GPHC reportedly needs 700 nurses. Government contracts are available. It’s a clear gap that few local firms are positioned to fill properly.

3. Agritech Incubator for Legal Crop Transition
With consistent police raids on illegal marijuana farms, there’s an opportunity to step in and offer legal alternatives—hot pepper, turmeric, ginger. A private agribusiness can lease land, provide seedlings and irrigation, and buy back crops for export.

Why it works: These farmers have land and labour but no legal market. Donor agencies are willing to fund transition efforts, and there’s global demand for organic spices.

Top 3 Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Light Rail & Bus Rapid Transit PPP (Diamond–Mahaica Corridor)
The AFC’s proposed national transit network offers a first-mover opportunity. A consortium of engineers, financiers, and operators could prepare a Build-Operate-Transfer proposal and secure government or donor backing before the idea becomes mainstream.

Why it works: Urban transport is a bottleneck in Guyana’s growth. Any serious plan will get political and financial traction, especially in pre-election cycles.

2. Utility-Scale Solar + Storage Projects
The new 30MW battery installation is a signal — the government is ready to support firm renewable energy. A solar power plant with attached battery storage (50–100 MW) could be proposed for grid connection and GPL purchase under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Why it works: GPL still relies heavily on diesel and natural gas. Stable renewable power with battery smoothing is attractive and increasingly bankable with IDB or EXIM support.

3. Sports Tourism & Media Rights Integration
CPL, WCPL, and basketball events are creating a foundation for a sports-tourism ecosystem. A large business can own media rights, hospitality packages, and OTT content. Charter flights, premium accommodation, and corporate activations can all be monetized in one offering.

Why it works: Guyana is becoming a consistent host for international sports, but there’s no dominant local player offering bundled packages. It’s wide open for the taking.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Stadium Shuttle + CPL Experience Bundles

What it is: Rent a 7- or 12-seater vehicle (or partner with a driver), and offer game-day shuttle packages during CPL and WCPL matches. Add-ons could include cold drinks, CPL-themed flags, or pre-game lime spots.

Why it works: You can run this after work or on weekends. Visitors and even locals will pay for convenience and a bit of fun. Demand will spike from August to September.

How to start:

• Partner with a friend who owns a vehicle.

• Use WhatsApp groups and Facebook to promote.

• Start small — even 2 trips per game day can net decent income.

2. WhatsApp-Based Virtual Assistant for Small Tourism Businesses

What it is: Offer remote admin services for tourism micro-businesses that graduated from the ElevateAll programme. Tasks might include replying to bookings, managing Facebook pages, or updating Google Maps listings — all done via phone.

Why it works: Most of these businesses are under-staffed. You can handle basic work in the evenings or early mornings, all online. Charge GYD 30K–50K/month per client.

How to start:

• Build a simple flyer and send it to the 22 tourism firms mentioned in the news.

• Offer 1 week free to get a foot in the door.

• One client alone can cover your mobile bill, and three can fund real income.

3. Pop-Up Battery & Solar Panel Cleaning Service

What it is: Offer monthly or quarterly cleaning services for solar panels and backup battery units at small businesses and homes, especially as Guyana scales its renewable grid.

Why it works: Panels lose efficiency when dirty. With recent battery storage arrivals, businesses are more aware of upkeep. This is a low-skill task with high repeat value and very little competition right now.

How to start:

• Buy a water-fed pole or soft cleaning brush.

• Walk into solar-installing companies and offer a partnership for maintenance referrals.

• Focus on areas with high sun exposure like Eccles, Providence, and Tuschen.