Government Requests G$57.5 Billion Supplementary Budget for Energy and Infrastructure Projects

The government tabled a G$57.5 billion supplementary budget, with the bulk directed toward expanding the national electricity grid and progressing the Gas-to-Energy project. Additional funds are allocated for roadworks, housing, and the continuation of the $100,000 cash grant initiative, emphasizing infrastructure and energy security in the face of Guyana's rapid economic expansion.

Caribbean Airlines Cargo Expands Digital Sales via Cargo.one

Caribbean Airlines Cargo has partnered with cargo.one to offer digital freight booking services, enabling customers in the US and Canada to book shipments online to key Caribbean destinations. This move aligns with the airline's broader digital transformation efforts and positions them to expand global sales reach efficiently.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Specialized Legal & Compliance Advisory for Oil & Gas Contractors

Given the intensifying regulatory disputes (e.g., Frontera, Mohamed tax case), small legal consultancy firms can position themselves as compliance specialists for oil and gas contractors, offering services in local tax law, customs compliance, and contract transparency advisory.
Note: Demand is rising for local players who can help SMEs and JV partners navigate complex Guyanese regulations and avoid costly legal disputes.

2. Eco-Friendly Spill Response & Cleaning Services

With the Demerara oil spill incident, a small enterprise can offer affordable, rapid-response spill mitigation and environmental cleanup services, particularly catering to smaller ports, logistics firms, and riverine industries.
Note: Niche green-certified services are in short supply locally and can secure subcontracts from larger shipping and logistics operators.

3. Digital Freight Brokerage & Tracking Services

Following Caribbean Airlines Cargo's digital shift, there is an opening for small tech startups to create complementary freight tracking, customs brokerage apps, or digital freight services, especially for SMEs exporting to Caribbean markets.
Note: This can be integrated with cargo.one APIs or offer a localized alternative for businesses not yet digitized.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Cross-Border Forex & Invoice Vetting Services

With Jagdeo highlighting foreign currency leakage to Trinidad and inflated invoicing, a medium-sized financial services firm can establish a specialized Forex, trade invoice validation, and fraud detection service to assist banks and corporate clients.
Note: This service can collaborate with the Central Bank or GRA to offer audits, forensic accounting, and due diligence for importers and customs agents.

2. Hinterland Educator Support & Logistics Solutions

As the government pushes teacher relocation to hinterland regions, firms can develop packaged logistics services offering secure teacher housing, transport, and welfare support services for hinterland-deployed workers.
Note: This can be structured as a PPP (Public Private Partnership) or under Ministry of Education contracts to provide bundled solutions.

3. Marine Security & Riverine Patrol Equipment Leasing

Given the ongoing GDF-Venezuela tensions and need for increased border security patrols, a medium-sized enterprise could invest in leasing patrol boats, surveillance drones, or supply logistics services to both GDF and private mining operations in border zones.
Note: There’s a growing market for civilian security support services in contested or sensitive waterways.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Strategic Investment in Digital Air Cargo Platforms & Logistics Infrastructure

Building on Caribbean Airlines Cargo's partnership, large logistics companies or investors can establish or acquire digital air cargo platforms, freight forwarder hubs, or bonded warehouses in Guyana, offering seamless regional logistics solutions.
Note: Could be tied to Guyana’s expanding oil sector and export corridors, capitalizing on the country’s positioning as a logistics hub.

2. High-Level Infrastructure PPPs in Riverine Ports & Environmental Safety

In light of the oil spill and the government’s ongoing infrastructure drive, large engineering or infrastructure firms can explore PPP opportunities to upgrade riverine ports, implement advanced spill prevention systems, and build green-certified logistics terminals.
Note: Government is aggressively expanding infrastructure; firms with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials will have an edge.

3. Franchise Investment in Elite Global Sports & Entertainment Ventures

With the GSL positioning itself as a global showcase for Guyana, large media, sports, and hospitality investors can look at creating franchises, luxury experiences, or broadcast rights packages targeting both the cricket league and wider tourism promotion.
Note: There is potential for investment in event management, fan tourism, and broadcasting, tied to Guyana’s emerging global brand via cricket.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Local Market Factoring & Advance Cash Service for Small Traders

Set up a simple informal "factoring" or cash advance service for small businesses struggling with delayed payments, especially in the import-export sector (vehicle dealers, traders, supermarket suppliers).
How it works: You advance a portion of the invoice payment upfront (e.g., 70%) and collect full payment later, earning a small margin.
Why now: With cash flow pressures due to forex issues and tightened GRA scrutiny, many small traders will need fast, flexible, local liquidity options outside of banks.

2. Cross-Border Procurement Concierge (Trinidad + Miami)

Start a side hustle as a procurement assistant for small Guyanese businesses who need help sourcing and shipping goods from Trinidad or Miami. Offer sourcing, negotiation, and shipment consolidation.
Why now: With Trinidad facing forex shortages and demand for US goods growing, small businesses in Guyana need trusted people to help source and arrange purchases abroad without inflated invoices or shady middlemen.
Low overhead: Operate via WhatsApp, charge per order or per service.

3. Mobile Water Taxi or Cargo Service for Hinterland & Riverine Areas

Launch a small side hustle offering water taxi or cargo delivery services for passengers, miners, or shop owners in remote river communities.
Why now: With heightened GDF patrols, oil activity, and hinterland investments, river movement is increasing. People need reliable, safe transport for small cargo or themselves—especially to border areas like Cuyuni, Eteringbang, and Mabaruma.
Entry point: Lease or partner with boat owners; focus on pre-arranged trips via WhatsApp or Facebook.