Lethem to Host Major Fuel & Gas Hub for Brazil Trade

President Irfaan Ali announced plans for a fuel and gas storage facility in Lethem, Region 9, aimed at exporting energy products to Brazil. A commodities terminal, shade-house farms, and a possible Lethem airport for regional cargo are also planned. These investments signal Lethem’s emerging role as a cross-border trade and agro-processing hub.

CARICOM Pushes for Stronger Africa-Caribbean Ties

Speaking in Abuja at the Afreximbank meetings, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged deeper Africa-Caribbean cooperation, citing trade, climate, and development finance as common priorities. Barnett emphasized joint action as critical to overcoming post-colonial economic challenges and integrating both regions into global development frameworks.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Solar Installation & Credit Optimization Services

Why: The Grid-Tied Net-Billing Programme is gaining traction, offering monetary credits for excess solar electricity.
Opportunity: Launch a small solar consultation and installation service targeting homes and SMEs, bundled with financial advisory to help clients maximize energy credits.
Notes: Focus on urban and peri-urban areas where electricity bills are highest. Partner with GEA-certified solar suppliers for materials.

2. Grant Navigation & Claims Support Services (NIS-focused)

Why: Public confusion over NIS payout mechanisms presents a need for specialized support.
Opportunity: Offer paid or retainer-based services helping retirees and contributors calculate, track, and dispute their NIS settlements, including grant combinations.
Notes: Partner with legal consultants and former NIS staff to offer workshops and clinics. This could evolve into a broader social benefits consultancy.

3. Construction Finishing Subcontracting for the Highway Buildout

Why: The Diamond–Buzz Bee Dam highway and Heroes Highway are in the final stages.
Opportunity: Small subcontracting teams can offer finishing services (road marking, signage installation, bridge painting, landscaping).
Notes: Low overhead with scalable returns. Ensure compliance with Works Ministry standards and explore similar micro-contracts through RDCs.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Net-Billing Infrastructure Development (Solar Aggregator Model)

Why: Surging interest in solar power and structured feed-in tariffs create opportunity for scale.
Opportunity: Act as a project developer aggregating solar projects across neighborhoods, businesses, and agro-processors. Install, manage, and monetize systems through shared savings or lease-to-own models.
Notes: Blend GEA incentives, financing from regional green funds, and tech from international solar brands.

2. Lethem Trade Logistics Hub Operator

Why: The new fuel terminal, shade-house farms, and commodities corridor at Lethem open up regional supply chain potential.
Opportunity: Develop a mid-size logistics hub for agricultural inputs, fuel supplies, and exportable goods to Brazil.
Notes: Set up bonded warehousing, third-party logistics (3PL), and cold storage support near Lethem. Serve exporters and cross-border traders.

3. Tourism Support & Site Development Services

Why: The planned national museum at D’Urban Park and rising eco-tourism create strong inbound visitor potential.
Opportunity: Offer turnkey services for experience development—e.g., curating exhibits, developing tour apps, or offering cultural merchandise tied to new attractions.
Notes: Seek THAG partnerships and use GMSA/Tourism Ministry incentives. Can also license content/IP around Guyanese heritage.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Fuel and Energy Supply Chain Operator for the Lethem Terminal

Why: The government’s plan to export fuel from Lethem to Brazil needs infrastructure investment.
Opportunity: Build and operate the logistics and storage infrastructure (fuel depots, cross-docking, pipelines, or tankers) tied to this energy corridor.
Notes: Could partner with GO-Invest and the Guyana-Brazil Chamber of Commerce. Long-term play with significant impact on regional trade dynamics.

2. AI-Powered Education Platforms

Why: The PPP’s 2025 manifesto prioritizes AI in education.
Opportunity: Launch a large-scale personalized learning platform using AI, customized for Guyanese curricula. Sell into public schools or offer hybrid private/public models.
Notes: Focus on scalable SaaS models, multilingual access, and analytics dashboards for Ministry use. Could be eligible for government pilot funding.

3. Integrated Solar Grid Infrastructure Developer

Why: The net-billing scheme formalizes decentralized solar integration.
Opportunity: Develop microgrid systems for new housing schemes, agro-parks, or eco-tourism zones. Combine generation, storage, and smart meters.
Notes: Position as a PPP with GPL and GEA, accessing concessional loans from green banks or regional development agencies.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Solar Referral & Installation Brokerage

What it is: Become a freelance agent connecting homeowners and small businesses to licensed solar providers under the national net-billing scheme.
Why it works: Most people don’t understand how to access or benefit from the grid-tied program. You earn a commission per install while the client reduces their light bill.
How to start: Partner with GEA-approved solar companies and build a simple WhatsApp-based lead funnel. Focus on regions with high GPL bills.

2. Retirement Grant Advisory & Claims Filing Service

What it is: Help NIS contributors navigate their entitlements—whether pension, lump sum, or the new government top-up grant.
Why it works: Confusion over the grant vs. pension process is widespread. You charge a small service fee to guide or file for people.
How to start: Learn the process through NIS or legal resources, then offer the service in your community or via Facebook. Could be done evenings or weekends.

3. Weekend Highway Shuttle or Parcel Service

What it is: Use your car or van to offer a fixed weekend shuttle or “goods courier” service between new highway zones like Diamond, Mocha, or Timehri.
Why it works: The newly paved highway segments are creating demand for faster movement of people and small goods. It’s cheaper than taxis and faster than minibuses.
How to start: Use a booking form, WhatsApp group, or Facebook page. Bundle with mobile payment tools like MMG.