Guyana to Host MECODEX 2025: A Major Disaster Simulation Exercise

Guyana will host MECODEX 2025, a high-level flood disaster simulation at the Pegasus Hotel from May 19-22. Organized in partnership with the Inter-American Defense Board and the Civil Defence Commission, the exercise will test regional coordination and national response strategies. Supported by the OAS, it’s part of a broader strategy to strengthen humanitarian readiness.

Business Insight: This event may catalyze demand for tech-driven emergency response tools, logistics support, and civil-military coordination services.

Oil Pollution Bill Passed to Strengthen Guyana’s Spill Preparedness

Guyana’s National Assembly passed the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025, creating a robust legal framework to manage and mitigate oil spill disasters. The Bill mandates oil operators to adhere to strict disaster preparedness and compensation protocols, aligning with international best practices. It designates the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as the coordinating authority and establishes a National Oil Spill Committee. The government also procured a capping stack for immediate deployment in emergencies.

Business Insight: This legislation is crucial for ESG compliance and offers opportunities for environmental consulting, spill response services, and training programs.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Opportunities for Small Enterprises

1. Oil Spill Response & Environmental Safety Training

With the passage of the Oil Pollution Prevention Bill, there is a pressing need for localized training providers offering emergency response certification, spill containment workshops, and HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) education tailored to small contractors and workers in the oil & gas value chain.
Note: Small firms can position as compliance trainers or subcontractors to major oil operators.

2. Disaster Simulation & Support Logistics Services

The upcoming MECODEX 2025 presents a unique niche for small logistics firms and event service providers to offer support solutions like transport, catering, field equipment rentals, and local personnel coordination for international delegations.
Note: Firms that demonstrate competence in emergency logistics could win longer-term contracts with regional and humanitarian organizations.

3. Women & Youth-Oriented Sportswear or Equipment Supply

Initiatives from the Lusignan Golf Club and powerlifting federation open the door for micro-retailers or local manufacturers to provide affordable sporting goods (golf kits, gym wear, table tennis gear) targeting female athletes and youth.
Note: Early movers can bundle products with sponsorships or coaching programs to grow visibility and trust.

Top 3 Opportunities for Medium Enterprises

1. ESG-Focused Compliance Consultancy

The new Oil Pollution legislation creates a market for mid-sized consulting firms specializing in environmental impact assessments, compliance audits, and crisis planning for mid-tier operators or logistics providers supporting the offshore industry.
Note: Firms offering packaged solutions that cover reporting, insurance advisory, and disaster drills will be highly competitive.

2. Regional Sports Sponsorship & Athlete Management

The rising visibility of athletes like Raekwon Noel and the expansion of competitive table tennis and cricket suggests a ripe moment for medium-sized enterprises to develop athlete branding, sports marketing services, or event-based merchandise sales across the Caribbean circuit.
Note: Mid-sized media or apparel companies can form endorsement deals with emerging national stars to build loyalty and visibility.

3. Tech-Enabled Emergency Response Systems

The emphasis on platforms like SICODE in MECODEX 2025 hints at demand for regionally adapted disaster simulation software, incident tracking systems, or communication apps built or maintained by mid-sized tech companies.
Note: Firms that can partner with government or defense agencies for co-development may scale quickly with donor or OAS support.

Top 3 Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Oil & Gas Spill Containment and Equipment Leasing

With Guyana now requiring full oil spill readiness, large firms can invest in or lease advanced containment equipment, capping stacks, remediation chemicals, and offer deployment crews on standby.
Note: Partnering with the Civil Defence Commission or building a regional base of operations can give first-mover advantage.

2. Multisport Complex Development & Sports Tourism

The combined surge in high-performance camps (e.g., squash in Paraguay), growing local leagues, and expanded national squad training points to the viability of a multi-use indoor sports facility or Olympic-style village funded by major private investors.
Note: Infrastructure investments can tap into GY government incentives and CSR branding for oil-funded conglomerates.

3. Insurance Product Innovation for the Sports & Disaster Sectors

With CIC Insurance backing cricket and rising risks from disaster exposure, large insurers can create custom policies covering event cancellations, athlete injuries, flood simulations, and emergency deployments.
Note: These specialized insurance products can be marketed to national sports federations, event organizers, and even public institutions managing MECODEX or similar activities.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Drone Videography for Infrastructure & Agriculture

Use a drone to capture footage of roads, farms, flood zones, or development projects—then sell the footage or offer it as a service to farmers, government agencies, real estate developers, or media outlets.

Why it works: With MECODEX 2025 and disaster preparedness in focus, high-quality aerial visuals are increasingly in demand.
Startup: Purchase an entry-level drone ($500–$1,000 USD), get basic training, and register your service online.
Earn extra: Offer flood risk mapping for farmers, construction progress tracking, or tourism videos for lodges.

2. Mobile Micro-Cleaning Service for Office Spaces or Airbnb Units

Offer flexible, after-hours cleaning for small offices, gym corners, or Airbnb-style rentals in Georgetown or nearby towns.

Why it works: As more modern spaces (gyms, clinics, Airbnb units) open up, there's growing demand for discreet, professional cleaners that operate outside regular hours.
Startup: Purchase basic equipment and advertise to businesses needing cleaning between 6–9 PM.
Upside: Easy to scale by hiring others once established.

3. Folklore-Based Storytelling & Tour Guide Experience

Develop a 90-minute local storytelling walk or night tour in Georgetown, themed around Guyanese folklore (e.g. the Ole Higue), targeting visiting diaspora or regional tourists.

Why it works: Subraj Singh’s Commonwealth Short Story win shows growing appreciation for folklore. Blend this with tourism and walking tours to offer something totally unique.
Startup: Script a route, rehearse stories, charge per person. Partner with small hotels or guest houses for bookings.
Extra tip: Add an option for custom folklore merchandise like bookmarks or printed stories.