DDL Invests $730M to Expand Rum Ageing Capacity

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has ramped up its production capabilities with a brand-new $730 million barrel ageing warehouse at its Plantation Diamond facility. The new warehouse, capable of storing 30,000 barrels, boosts DDL’s total ageing capacity to 130,000 barrels, positioning Guyana as a powerhouse in premium aged rum production. This expansion supports growing global demand for El Dorado and other Demerara Rums, reinforcing Guyana’s reputation in the premium spirits market.

Gov’t Eyes New Ferries to Boost Trade & Travel in Essequibo & North-West

President Irfaan Ali announced plans to procure two new ferries—one for Essequibo and another for the North-West region—to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo demand. The move follows a surge in trade and economic activity since the introduction of the MV Ma Lisha ferry in 2023. The new vessels aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional commerce.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs) – Agile and Niche Businesses

1. Aviation Support Services for Small Aircraft & Remote Airstrips

   • With the expansion of Guyana’s aviation sector, including 120+ aerodromes serving 242 indigenous communities, there is increasing demand for ground services, aircraft maintenance, and flight coordination at smaller airstrips.

   • Business Idea: Establish a mobile aviation maintenance and logistics support company catering to domestic and regional flights. Services could include refueling, aircraft cleaning, and logistical support for bush pilots and charter services.

   • Considerations: Partnerships with tour operators and eco-lodges could ensure steady demand. Compliance with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will be essential.

2. Certified Vocational Training & Coaching Services

   • The launch of Guyana’s new Skills Development & Certification Centre highlights a shift towards vocational training that meets Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) standards.

   • Business Idea: A private training and certification business that complements government training programs by offering job-ready courses in construction, electrical work, tourism, and oilfield support.

   • Considerations: Business owners could partner with government agencies to provide accredited courses and fast-track certification for workers seeking employment in the oil, aviation, and agriculture sectors.

3. Hydroponic Farming & Agri-Tech Consultancy

   • The government’s investment in hydroponics signals demand for low-water, high-yield farming techniques.

   • Business Idea: A hydroponic farm or consultancy targeting small restaurants, hotels, and urban consumers looking for fresh, pesticide-free produce.

   • Considerations: Small businesses could collaborate with the Agriculture Ministry to receive funding or equipment support. The target market includes the hospitality sector and high-end grocery stores that cater to expatriates and tourists.

Medium Enterprises (MEs) – Scalable Business Models

1. Specialized Logistics & Supply Chain Solutions for Gas & Oil Industry

   • ExxonMobil’s 8th offshore oil project, Longtail, will dramatically increase gas production, leading to increased logistics, transportation, and equipment supply demands.

   • Business Idea: A specialized logistics and procurement company focused on marine cargo, rig equipment supply, and offshore crew transfers.

   • Considerations: Medium-sized companies could partner with international service providers to handle inventory, customs clearance, and remote delivery solutions.

2. Air Freight & Regional Cargo Consolidation

   • As Guyana grows as an aviation hub between the Caribbean and South America, there will be a sharp increase in demand for air cargo solutions.

   • Business Idea: A freight forwarding and cargo consolidation business that handles small-batch exports of perishable and high-value products, such as pharmaceuticals and specialty foods.

   • Considerations: Small and medium exporters currently struggle with logistics—this company could streamline routes and pricing, especially for e-commerce and specialty goods exporters.

3. High-Value Food Processing & Packaging

   • Guyana is expanding large-scale crop production for black-eyed peas, corn, and soya, with ambitions to become a regional exporter.

   • Business Idea: A medium-sized processing plant that dehydrates, mills, or packages these crops for domestic and export markets.

   • Considerations: A modernized food packaging business could help Guyana reduce reliance on imports and build local agro-processing capacity.

Large Enterprises (LEs) – Infrastructure & Industrial Development

1. Aircraft Maintenance & Aviation Training Center

   • With Guyana pushing to become a Caribbean-South American aviation hub, there will be growing demand for skilled aviation professionals.

   • Business Idea: A large-scale aviation training and maintenance facility to train aircraft engineers, pilots, and aviation support personnel.

   • Considerations: This could be done as a public-private partnership (PPP) with the government, leveraging Guyana’s strategic location to attract international airline partnerships.

2. Gas-to-Energy Infrastructure & Industrial Park

   • ExxonMobil’s Longtail project will unlock massive gas resources, making Guyana a prime candidate for gas-to-power industrial expansion.

   • Business Idea: Develop a private industrial park powered by natural gas, providing a cost-effective base for manufacturing, heavy industry, and processing plants.

   • Considerations: Large enterprises could invest in factory spaces, attract global manufacturers, and benefit from reduced energy costs.

3. Regional Agricultural Export Hub

   • Guyana is expanding agriculture for domestic and export markets, with a goal of becoming a key supplier to CARICOM.

   • Business Idea: A large-scale agricultural processing and export facility specializing in value-added crops (black-eyed peas, corn, hydroponic vegetables) for regional markets.

   • Considerations: Major investment in cold storage, packaging, and logistics hubs would position Guyana as a key food exporter in the region.

Final Thoughts

• Small enterprises should capitalize on niche, high-demand services that cater to aviation, logistics, and vocational training.

• Medium enterprises have major opportunities in specialized logistics, food processing, and regional trade services.

• Large enterprises should focus on aviation, energy, and large-scale agricultural exports, leveraging Guyana’s economic expansion.

Guyana is at the intersection of growth across aviation, agriculture, and energy, making now the perfect time for strategic investments.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Aviation Cargo Broker for Small Businesses and Online Stores

Why This Works

• Guyana is positioning itself as an aviation hub between the Caribbean and South America, increasing demand for air cargo solutions.

• Small businesses and e-commerce sellers struggle with exporting small-batch goods due to high shipping costs and logistics issues.

• Many Guyanese shop online but face expensive, slow delivery times from international sellers.

How to Do It as a Side Hustle

• Start as a freight consolidation agent, grouping small shipments from local e-commerce sellers and individuals to lower shipping costs.

• Work with local businesses, online retailers, and travelers who need fast international shipping but can’t afford full freight loads.

• Use digital tools like WhatsApp groups and social media to connect with customers and coordinate shipments.

• Potential to earn commissions per shipment without needing large upfront investment.

Investment & Time Commitment

• Low investment: Partner with existing courier services and airline cargo providers rather than purchasing equipment.

• Flexible time: Operate part-time, handling customer requests in the evenings or weekends.

2. High-Value Crop Micro-Farming with Hydroponics

Why This Works

• The Government is promoting hydroponic farming, with new facilities being developed in Region Five.

• High-end hotels, oil and gas companies, and restaurants are looking for consistent supplies of premium crops like microgreens, herbs, and specialty vegetables.

• Traditional farming is land and labor-intensive, but hydroponic setups allow small-scale production in backyards or unused indoor spaces.

How to Do It as a Side Hustle

• Start a small hydroponic farm at home, focusing on premium produce like microgreens, herbs, and exotic vegetables (basil, mint, arugula, broccoli sprouts).

• Sell directly to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and eco-tourism lodges that want fresh, locally-grown, high-quality produce.

• Partner with delivery apps and local stores to distribute your products efficiently.

Investment & Time Commitment

• Moderate investment: Initial setup for hydroponics costs around $50,000-$150,000 GYD ($250-$750 USD).

• Low time commitment: 1-2 hours per day for maintenance and harvesting, making it ideal for those with a full-time job.

3. Luxury Airbnb & Corporate Rentals for Business Travelers

Why This Works

• Guyana is seeing a surge in business travelers, oil workers, and aviation professionals, increasing demand for short-term premium accommodations.

• Hotels are often booked out, and corporate travelers prefer well-furnished apartments with modern amenities over standard hotels.

• Many people own extra properties or spare rooms that can be converted into high-end short-term rentals.

How to Do It as a Side Hustle

• If you own an extra room or apartment, convert it into an executive Airbnb unit catering to oil and gas professionals, diplomats, and business travelers.

• Focus on premium service with airport transfers, stocked kitchens, and professional cleaning to differentiate from basic Airbnb listings.

• Partner with corporate HR managers, relocation agencies, and event planners to secure longer-term, high-value bookings.

• Utilize Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental websites to list the property.

Investment & Time Commitment

• Moderate investment: Furnishing upgrades, high-speed WiFi, and marketing.

• Flexible time commitment: 1-2 hours per booking for check-in/out, cleaning, and management.

Final Thoughts

• These side hustles leverage Guyana’s rapid economic expansion in aviation, agriculture, and tourism.

• They require low to moderate upfront investment and can be managed part-time, making them ideal for people who already have jobs.

• Aviation Cargo Brokering has a low barrier to entry and can be started immediately.

• Hydroponic Micro-Farming offers recurring revenue with minimal daily effort.

• Luxury Short-Term Rentals provide high returns on existing property assets.

Each of these ideas can be scaled up over time into a full business if demand grows.