Demerara Bank Reports 43% Surge in Profit

Demerara Bank has posted a remarkable 43% increase in Profit After Tax for the six-month period ending March 2025, rising to G$3.08 billion. Strong growth in deposits (+22%) and loan advances (+35%)—especially in key sectors like oil & gas, agriculture, and housing—has underpinned this performance. Chairman Komal Samaroo cited strategic investments in infrastructure and digital banking services as key contributors. The bank also raised its interim dividend by 33%, reflecting confidence in future growth.

PUC Warns Illegal Starlink Resellers Amid Internet Boom

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced legal action against unauthorized Starlink resellers inflating internet service prices across Guyana, particularly in remote mining areas. Despite Starlink’s official rates of G$11,000 for residential service, some third-party vendors are charging up to G$79,000. The PUC emphasized that all Starlink services must be accessed via the official site, warning that regulatory violations will not be tolerated. The clampdown comes as Starlink's entry promises to revolutionize internet access in underserved areas.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Solar Product Aftercare & Mobile Maintenance Services

   • Why: Government distributed 280 solar kits to Region 9 households, and more rural electrification is expected.

   • Opportunity: Offer mobile aftercare services—repairs, cleaning, battery swaps—for solar setups.

   • Note: Low startup cost. Can be launched with one technician and a bike or 4x4. Scalable by village or region.

2. Home-Based Food Processing (e.g., cassava snacks, dried fruits)

   • Why: Government launched a cassava bread project and is actively supporting value-added agro-processing.

   • Opportunity: Create niche, shelf-stable local snacks (cassava chips, farine blends) for urban and diaspora markets.

   • Note: Use local raw materials, dry/dehydrate/pack from home, and sell via social media or village shops.

3. Digital Payment Setup Services for Small Merchants

   • Why: Strong push towards digital transactions with MMG and local banks now offering API and integration support.

   • Opportunity: Help market vendors, shop owners, and taxi operators accept digital payments.

   • Note: Simple, high-margin service helping merchants set up QR codes or MMG links. Upsell with signage and branding kits.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Agro-Processing Facility for Cassava and Indigenous Crops

   • Why: Government's cassava project and support for agro-enterprise in Amerindian villages shows rising demand for structured processing.

   • Opportunity: Build a mid-size facility to buy raw cassava/farine from villages and convert into branded consumer-ready products.

   • Note: Could access grants or partner with Amerindian communities. Strong export potential to diaspora.

2. Tourism & Adventure Logistics in Linden and Rupununi

   • Why: Interest is increasing in eco-tourism, and rural infrastructure is improving (e.g., road works near Rockstone).

   • Opportunity: Offer packaged tours, glamping, or logistics (ATVs, guides, 4x4 rentals) targeting domestic and regional tourists.

   • Note: Partner with eco-lodges or use existing community spaces. Combine with influencer marketing.

3. BPO or Digital Training Centre in Linden or Essequibo

   • Why: Continued development of underutilized regions, and push to digitize services across Guyana.

   • Opportunity: Open a BPO hub or training centre teaching customer service, bookkeeping, or basic coding to youth.

   • Note: Can be partially donor funded; potential clients include government, banks, or fintech startups.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Private Cassava Processing Plant + Co-Pack Facility (Public-Private Partnership)

   • Why: Strong state-level support for cassava bread production, food security, and indigenous development.

   • Opportunity: Invest in a commercial cassava processing and packaging facility that can produce branded and bulk cassava bread, farine, and flour for local and regional markets.

   • Note: Potential MoU with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs or Ministry of Agriculture. Could also produce GDF supply or school feeding inputs.

2. Rural Renewable Energy Company (Solar, Hybrid Mini-Grids)

   • Why: Government continues rural electrification with solar home systems and is likely to expand.

   • Opportunity: Launch a company that designs, installs, and maintains hybrid mini-grids for clusters of homes or community centres.

   • Note: Position as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) partner. Long-term PPP potential with GPL.

3. Indigenous Product Export House / Brand Aggregator

   • Why: There's rising interest in indigenous products (cassava bread, honey, crafts) and the government is actively supporting market linkages.

   • Opportunity: Build a company that aggregates high-quality, export-ready indigenous goods, handles branding, certification, and sales into regional and diaspora markets.

   • Note: Combine e-commerce, retail pop-ups in major cities, and diplomatic channel exports. Brand could become iconic.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Digital Payment Setup & Branding Kits for Local Vendors

• Why it works: As Guyana pushes toward a cashless society, many vendors and small shops still don’t know how to get started with MMG, GTT, or bank transfer systems.

• What to do: Offer a flat-rate service to help small businesses set up their MMG Pay or mobile payment solutions. Include a laminated QR code, custom signage, and a quick 10-minute training.

• Revenue: Charge GYD $7,000–$12,000 per setup. If you do 5 setups a weekend, you can earn GYD $35,000–$60,000 in extra income per week.

2. Packaged Cassava Snacks for Urban Supermarkets

• Why it works: The government’s new cassava projects and food security push make local snacks trendy and supported.

• What to do: Buy raw cassava from hinterland producers (or your own village), convert it into chips or cassava balls using a basic fryer or dehydrator, package it neatly, and sell it to city supermarkets and cafes.

• Revenue: Even part-time, producing 100 bags a week at $500 GYD profit each equals $50,000 GYD weekly.

3. Weekend Village-to-Town Delivery Runs (Courier-for-a-Day)

• Why it works: More rural residents are shopping online or selling products, but delivery services are still poor in outlying areas.

• What to do: Use your car, bike, or even hire a driver to run weekend pickup and drop-off routes from villages to Georgetown or Linden. Partner with agro-processors, seamstresses, or small ecommerce stores.

• Revenue: You can charge $1,500–$3,000 per parcel or cooler box. Just 10 deliveries every Saturday brings in an extra $15,000–$30,000 GYD/week with minimal overhead.