Guyana Showcases Investment Appeal at Expo 2025 in Japan

Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond promoted Guyana as a top-tier investment destination at Expo 2025 in Osaka, highlighting major economic progress since Expo 2020 Dubai. Emphasizing investor-friendly policies, tax incentives, and climate leadership under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, she underscored Guyana’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies—led by oil and gas, but expanding into ICT, housing, and tourism.

Linden Town Week Suspended Amid National Unrest

Citing security concerns, the Municipality of Linden officially halted all remaining Linden Town Week 2025 events. The decision directly impacts local vendors, tourism operators, and the entertainment industry, which anticipated a revenue boost from Guyana’s largest inland town’s flagship celebration.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Mobile Market Logistics Services (Essential Goods Delivery)
With major urban markets like Stabroek and Bourda closed due to unrest, small businesses can create mobile retail/delivery services to bring fresh produce, meat, and essentials to neighborhoods.
Notes: These services would thrive during instability and could pivot into permanent micro-logistics businesses post-crisis. Coordination with local farms or vendors for product sourcing is critical.

2. Cultural Safety Advisory & Artist Consultancy
The backlash over the "Chiney" music video highlights a new space: helping artists, brands, and content creators assess the social and reputational risk of their output.
Notes: A micro-agency could offer sensitivity consulting, especially for social media, art, and public messaging. This is a timely niche service for a tense environment.

3. Community-Based Security Installation Services
Recent looting and targeted attacks on businesses, especially Chinese-owned establishments, reveal gaps in storefront security. A small-scale security installation service—offering gates, CCTV, and alarms—could rapidly scale by focusing on vulnerable SMEs.
Notes: Target early-stage retail and cultural businesses that previously saw security as optional.

Medium Enterprises

1. Safe Event Hosting & Hybrid Experience Platforms
With the cancellation of Linden Town Week, there’s room for a mid-sized enterprise to create secure, hybrid (physical + virtual) event infrastructure, especially for holidays, expos, and diaspora engagements.
Notes: Focus on government collaboration and regional tourism boards. Offer local streaming, ticketing, and sponsor integration. Ideal for communities where physical gatherings are now a liability.

2. Regional Food Supply Chain Coordination & Fulfillment
The closure of large public markets has exposed the fragility of urban food supply networks. A coordinated fulfillment service, integrating small farmers, processors, and delivery, could serve both retail and institutional clients.
Notes: This business could evolve into a digital ordering platform or app, with special arrangements for hospitals, hotels, and military clients during curfews.

3. Tourism Crisis Communications & Reputation Management
With Guyana simultaneously promoting itself as a top-tier tourist destination (Tripadvisor ranking) while managing unrest, there’s a gap for firms that can help hotels, tour operators, and national agencies manage global perception and trust.
Notes: This requires digital marketing skills, access to travel media, and partnership with associations like GTA or the Chinese business network.

Large Enterprises

1. Private Sector Infrastructure Recovery Fund & Redevelopment Services
As major assets like markets and supermarkets suffer damage, there’s a need for a coordinated recovery effort. A large conglomerate could lead redevelopment of affected zones through PPPs (public-private partnerships).
Notes: Bundle construction, waste management, drainage, and security upgrades. Ideal for real estate, logistics, or civil engineering players.

2. Large-Scale Workforce Training & Re-skilling Academy
With 60,000 jobs added and thousands more in transition (CSOs, part-time workers, and GOAL scholars), there’s an opening for a national-level training institution focused on logistics, customer service, ICT, and food safety.
Notes: Use blended learning and create regional campuses. Align content with CSEC/CAPE timing and labor trends.

3. Regional Crisis Insurance & Business Continuity Services
Given the financial exposure faced by Chinese businesses and others affected by looting and vandalism, there’s a real gap in coverage and continuity planning. A large insurer or financial institution could introduce affordable crisis insurance products, bundled with business continuity consulting.
Notes: Would require reinsurance partnerships, strong actuarial modeling, and possible government backstopping to manage systemic risk.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Freelance Security Camera & Smart Lock Installation

Why it works: In light of recent looting and civil unrest, many small businesses and homeowners are urgently upgrading their security systems. Demand is outpacing available installers.

What to do:

• Learn to install plug-and-play CCTV kits and smart locks (many are WiFi-enabled and come with mobile apps).

• Offer bundled packages for homes, shops, or rural properties.

• Partner with local retailers or import kits yourself and offer installation as a value-added service.

Value: High demand, scalable, and allows bookings on evenings/weekends. Low startup if you focus on one or two systems initially.

2. Mobile Notary and Document Courier Services

Why it works: With growing bureaucracy, digital transactions, and legal scrutiny (e.g., money laundering cases like Brutus’), many people and businesses need certified copies, signings, and documents moved between offices, banks, and clients—especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

What to do:

• Get registered as a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary (or partner with someone who is).

• Offer door-to-door signings and safe document delivery.

• Serve expats, elderly clients, legal offices, and business owners.

Value: Offers flexibility, serves a niche market, and builds trust quickly through word of mouth.

3. Exam Prep Crash Course Tutor (CSEC/CAPE Focus)

Why it works: Thousands of students are now sitting CSEC and CAPE exams, many disrupted by recent unrest. There is immediate demand for private tutoring, both in-person and online, especially in English and Math.

What to do:

• Offer small group or 1-on-1 sessions after work or on weekends.

• Package as a 2-week or 1-month “exam rescue” crash course.

• Use WhatsApp or Google Meet for virtual delivery if needed.

Value: Zero cost to start if you have subject knowledge. High earning potential in short bursts. Aligns well with national education timelines.