Sport as a Driver for Tourism and Economic Growth in Guyana

President Irfaan Ali underscores sports' role in boosting tourism and the economy. Guyana’s visitor numbers increased by 15% in 2024, with new sporting facilities, including the Global Super League T20 cricket tournament, contributing to growth. Ali envisions Guyana as a hub for sport and entertainment tourism, leveraging sports to attract global visitors and enhance economic returns, particularly amid a surge in hotel developments.

$150M Allocated to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Offenses

Guyana’s Ministry of Human Services allocated $150M in 2024 to address sexual offenses and gender-based violence. Initiatives include the launch of Hope and Justice Centres, a 914 hotline, and new frameworks focused on prevention and rehabilitation. Minister Vindhya Persaud reported a 33% decrease in domestic violence-related murders and plans to intensify efforts in 2025 to tackle societal violence.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Community-Based Tourism Services

   • Opportunity: With President Ali emphasizing sport and tourism, small enterprises can offer tailored services such as guided tours, cultural experiences, and local transport solutions for tourists attending sporting events like the Global Super League.

   • Notes: Focus on unique cultural elements, such as local cuisine, history, or artisan goods, to differentiate offerings. Collaborating with local hotels and travel agencies could increase visibility.

2. Health and Wellness Services in Mining Regions

   • Opportunity: The initiative to involve miners in malaria prevention highlights a demand for health-focused services in remote areas. SEs could offer first-aid supplies, diagnostic tools, or wellness camps targeting miners and their families.

   • Notes: Partnering with mining companies could provide steady revenue streams. Offering mobile clinics or educational workshops might be particularly impactful.

3. Affordable Housing and Repairs

   • Opportunity: With increasing housing demand noted by Vice President Jagdeo, small contractors or handymen could focus on affordable home repairs, renovations, or constructing low-cost housing for families.

   • Notes: Providing eco-friendly or energy-efficient housing solutions could appeal to sustainability-conscious clients.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Sports Facility Maintenance and Management

   • Opportunity: As sports tourism grows, medium enterprises could specialize in maintaining or managing sports venues and associated infrastructure, such as car racing tracks, cricket fields, or event logistics.

   • Notes: Consider diversifying into hosting community events or corporate sports days to maximize venue utilization outside major events.

2. Water Treatment and Distribution Services

   • Opportunity: Guyana’s push for 100% potable water access creates opportunities for businesses to supply or maintain water treatment equipment, pipelines, or distribution systems in hinterland and coastal areas.

   • Notes: Partnering with GWI or the government to supply treatment equipment or expertise could open doors for steady contracts.

3. Supply Chain and Logistics for Remote Areas

   • Opportunity: Increased activity in hinterland regions for malaria prevention and housing developments calls for reliable logistics services. MEs can focus on transporting goods, medical supplies, and construction materials.

   • Notes: Building a reputation for reliability and efficiency in hard-to-reach areas can provide a competitive edge.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Renewable Energy Infrastructure

   • Opportunity: Guyana’s ambitious infrastructure projects, including water treatment and regional development, offer opportunities for LEs to invest in renewable energy solutions like solar or wind farms.

   • Notes: Collaborating with the government to integrate energy solutions into key projects could secure large, long-term contracts.

2. Comprehensive Sport and Entertainment Complex

   • Opportunity: With Guyana’s focus on sport tourism, LEs could develop large-scale sports and entertainment complexes, including hotels, arenas, and retail spaces, catering to international visitors and events.

   • Notes: Partnering with the government and international sports bodies could provide co-funding opportunities. Consider incorporating sustainable building practices for additional incentives.

3. Advanced Healthcare Facilities

   • Opportunity: The report of high cardiac care success rates and ongoing health initiatives creates room for LEs to invest in private hospitals or specialized medical centers offering advanced care.

   • Notes: Target regions where accessibility to quality healthcare remains limited. Integration with public healthcare efforts could boost patient trust and referrals.

Additional Notes

• Leveraging Government Partnerships: Across all scales, businesses should actively seek partnerships with the government, aligning their offerings with national priorities like tourism, healthcare, and housing.

• Focus on Sustainability: Sustainable practices—whether in energy, construction, or healthcare—can unlock additional funding or incentives while appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

• Export Potential: Given Guyana's regional leadership in CARICOM, businesses should consider scaling successful local ventures for export, particularly in healthcare or sustainable tourism services.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Health Screening and Diagnostic Services

• Opportunity: With the government emphasizing malaria prevention, healthcare infrastructure, and the distribution of rapid diagnostic kits, there’s a demand for mobile health services, particularly in remote areas.

• How It Works: Invest in basic diagnostic tools (e.g., blood pressure monitors, malaria rapid test kits) and offer affordable health checks at mining camps, small villages, or local markets during weekends.

• Why It’s Valuable: This addresses an immediate need in underserved areas while tapping into the growing health-consciousness fueled by government initiatives. Partnerships with health-focused NGOs or the Ministry of Health can amplify impact.

2. Eco-Friendly Construction and Repairs

• Opportunity: With housing demand rising and sustainability being a global focus, eco-friendly building or repair services can be lucrative. This could include using locally sourced materials or implementing energy-efficient solutions like solar water heaters or LED lighting upgrades.

• How It Works: Offer weekend services for minor construction tasks, such as building fences, repairing roofs, or retrofitting homes for energy efficiency.

• Why It’s Valuable: Rising income levels mean more Guyanese families are looking to improve their homes, and eco-friendly solutions can set your service apart.

3. Sport and Event Merchandising

• Opportunity: With the rise of sports tourism and events like the Global Super League cricket tournament, selling customized merchandise like T-shirts, caps, and local snacks offers a profitable avenue.

• How It Works: Use weekends and event days to set up stalls near stadiums or tourist hotspots, selling items with unique Guyanese branding or memorabilia tied to sporting events.

• Why It’s Valuable: The expanding tourism and entertainment industry creates a steady demand for locally inspired, high-quality merchandise.

Why These Ideas Work

1. Leverages Expanding Economy: All ideas capitalize on sectors growing alongside Guyana’s economic boom—healthcare, housing, and tourism.

2. Flexible for Professionals: These hustles can be managed on weekends or during free hours, making them suitable for people with full-time jobs.

3. Scalable Potential: Each idea can start small and scale based on demand, allowing for long-term growth.