Guyana’s Health Sector Goes Digital with $100M Investment

A new digital healthcare initiative, backed by a $100 million investment from the Greater Guyana Initiative, aims to modernize patient records and medical services. The National Health Information Systems and Technology (HIST) workforce development program will train over 250 professionals in digital health systems, providing tuition-free education and guaranteed job placement. Officials expect this to significantly improve efficiency in Guyana’s healthcare sector and position it as a regional leader in digital health.

US Policy Shift Could Cut Agriculture Funding in Guyana

The US government’s recent policy shift under President Donald Trump may lead to the discontinuation of the Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), a project designed to enhance Guyana’s agricultural exports. The program, which focused on high-value crops like West Indian cherries, coconut, and turmeric, was a small-scale initiative under USAID. US Ambassador Nicole Theriot indicated that while election support remains a high priority, agricultural development funding could be scaled back.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Digital Healthcare Support Services

   • With the launch of the National Health Information Systems and Technology (HIST) workforce development program, there will be a growing need for digital record-keeping, IT support, and cybersecurity solutions in the healthcare sector.

   • Small businesses could offer services like health data entry, digital records management, IT training for healthcare workers, or cybersecurity consulting for hospitals and clinics.

   • Key partnerships: Ministry of Health, private clinics, and emerging telemedicine providers.

2. Pharmaceutical Retail & Distribution

   • Chirosyn Canada’s expansion in Guyana signals growing interest in pharmaceuticals and medical supplements tailored for the Caribbean.

   • SMEs can set up pharmacies, mobile medical supply distribution, or e-commerce platforms to sell supplements and generic medicines.

   • Collaboration with private healthcare providers and insurance companies could boost sales.

3. Renewable Energy & Generator Maintenance Services

   • GPL’s increased power capacity and planned maintenance work indicate ongoing demand for backup power solutions and generator servicing.

   • Small businesses could offer generator rental, maintenance contracts, or battery storage solutions for businesses that rely on uninterrupted power supply.

   • Target market: small factories, hotels, medical clinics, and high-usage commercial entities.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Agricultural Value-Added Processing

   • The likely discontinuation of the US-funded CAPA program presents an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to step in and drive agricultural export growth.

   • MEs can process and package high-value crops like coconut, turmeric, and West Indian cherries for local and regional markets.

   • Potential for organic certification and export to the Caribbean and North America.

   • Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, local farmers, and export agencies can provide growth opportunities.

2. Digital Connectivity and Data Solutions

   • With Guyana partnering with Spanish satellite company Hispasat, demand for rural internet solutions, cloud services, and cybersecurity will rise.

   • Medium enterprises could set up private satellite internet services for remote communities, develop cloud storage solutions for businesses, or provide IT security solutions for government and financial institutions.

   • Early adoption could secure long-term contracts with government agencies and financial institutions.

3. Oil & Gas Services – Workforce Housing & Logistics

   • Rising industrial energy demands suggest continued expansion in Guyana’s oil & gas sector.

   • MEs can develop workforce housing solutions, supply-chain logistics, or safety equipment rental businesses for offshore oil workers.

   • Partnerships with international firms looking for local content solutions could be highly profitable.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Private Healthcare Infrastructure Development

   • With major investments in digital healthcare and pharmaceuticals, there is an opening for private hospitals, diagnostic labs, and specialized clinics that cater to Guyana’s growing middle-class and expatriate population.

   • Large businesses could establish integrated health centers combining digital records, telemedicine, and on-site pharmacies.

   • Government partnerships could facilitate medical tourism opportunities.

2. Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure Development

   • Guyana’s focus on digital sovereignty and the expansion of satellite-based connectivity creates demand for data centers, cloud computing hubs, and AI-driven business analytics services.

   • Large enterprises could invest in Tier 3 or Tier 4 data centers to provide secure, high-speed cloud services to banks, telecom providers, and government agencies.

   • Partnering with Spanish firm Hispasat or EU-backed initiatives could provide financial and technical support.

3. High-Tech Agri-Processing for Export

   • With the US potentially cutting agricultural development funding, local firms must fill the gap.

   • Large enterprises can invest in high-tech processing plants for coconut, turmeric, and West Indian cherries, leveraging automation to scale production.

   • Export potential is strong, especially to the EU and North America, where demand for organic and functional foods is rising.

   • Collaboration with farmers, research institutions, and logistics firms would be necessary for scaling.

Final Notes

• The digital transformation wave is a significant driver of business opportunities, with opportunities in healthcare, cybersecurity, and connectivity.

• Agri-processing remains a strong industry, especially given global trends toward organic and natural food exports.

• Oil & gas-adjacent industries, including logistics, housing, and safety services, continue to present scalable business opportunities.

Now is the time for entrepreneurs and established businesses to align with government policies, seek strategic partnerships, and invest in high-growth sectors.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Digital Health Records Consultant & Data Entry Specialist

Opportunity: With the launch of Guyana’s National Health Information Systems and Technology (HIST) program, hospitals and clinics will need support in digitizing patient records and maintaining electronic health systems.

How to Get Started:

• Offer freelance data entry services to private clinics, pharmacies, and small hospitals transitioning to digital records.

• Provide consulting and training to medical staff on how to use digital health systems.

• Partner with healthcare institutions to manage patient information storage securely.

Why It Works:

• High demand due to the government’s push for digital health records.

• No large upfront investment—just a laptop and basic IT/data management skills.

• Potential to scale into contracted work for multiple clinics over time.

2. Small-Scale Agri-Processing & Export (Turmeric, Coconut, or West Indian Cherries)

Opportunity: With the likely discontinuation of the US-backed CAPA agricultural project, there is now a gap in processing and exporting high-value crops. Many local farmers lack the ability to process their raw products into value-added goods, creating a market for small-scale producers.

How to Get Started:

• Buy small batches of raw turmeric, coconut, or West Indian cherries from local farmers.

• Process them into dehydrated turmeric powder, coconut chips, or fruit-based products using a dehydrator and grinder.

• Sell them via social media, farmers' markets, or export in small quantities to Caribbean and North American buyers.

Why It Works:

• Low startup cost—a home-based dehydrator costs around $300–$500 USD, making it feasible as a side hustle.

• Export potential is strong as demand for natural and organic Caribbean products is rising.

• Can be expanded into bulk production if demand increases.

3. Generator & Power Backup Rental Service

Opportunity: GPL's plans for maintenance and increasing power supply mean that businesses will still face occasional power outages, creating demand for short-term power backup solutions.

How to Get Started:

• Buy one or two small portable generators (start with second-hand if necessary).

• Offer rental services to small businesses, pop-up events, and food vendors during planned power outages or bad weather.

• Provide battery packs or small solar generators for people who need power backup at home.

Why It Works:

• Businesses will pay a premium for reliable power backup, especially restaurants, event planners, and SMEs.

• Can be marketed through WhatsApp, Facebook, and local business networks.

• Expands naturally—after renting out 1-2 units, reinvest in larger generators or battery storage solutions.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles are designed for working professionals who want additional income without quitting their jobs. Each idea leverages emerging market trends in digital healthcare, agri-processing, and energy solutions, aligning with Guyana’s fast-growing economy.

The key is to start small, reinvest profits, and scale gradually as demand increases.