City Hall to ‘Name & Shame’ Businesses Over Unpaid Taxes

The Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC) is escalating efforts to collect unpaid property taxes by publicly listing delinquent businesses and property owners in newspapers before pursuing legal action. Mayor Alfred Mentore emphasized that no entity will be spared, including a politically linked company that allegedly owes over $6.4 billion. The move follows growing frustration over the city’s financial struggles, with government officials previously urging City Hall to address its revenue shortfalls rather than seeking central government bailouts. This could signal a tighter enforcement climate for businesses with overdue taxes.

Gov’t to Crack Down on ‘Delinquent’ Cement Suppliers

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has warned cement suppliers against delivering substandard materials to contractors working on government infrastructure projects. Contractors have reported receiving cement with lower-than-required strength, which compromises the durability of roads and buildings. Jagdeo stated that the Ministry of Public Works is investigating the issue and will issue a formal warning to suppliers. Those found guilty of cutting corners could be blacklisted from supplying materials for government projects, potentially losing access to the country’s booming construction sector.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

(Capital Range: GYD $1M – $20M / USD $5K – $100K)

1. Road Safety & Compliance Services

• Opportunity: With increased government enforcement on traffic violations, trucking compliance, and road safety, small businesses can offer services such as defensive driving courses, trucking safety certifications, and vehicle compliance checks.

• Execution: Partner with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or trucking companies to offer workshops or online courses for fleet operators. This can be done on-site at trucking companies or through rental training spaces.

• Additional Revenue Streams: Consider selling road safety devices (dashcams, speed limiters, e-logbooks) or offering vehicle inspections for compliance with new regulations.

2. Agri-Logistics for Regional Trade Expansion

• Opportunity: CARICOM’s elimination of 50+ trade barriers and focus on regional maritime transport means more demand for agri-export logistics.

• Execution: SMEs can establish a local freight coordination business, helping small farmers and agri-processors navigate export logistics for crops like fruits, vegetables, and value-added products.

• Why Now? Increased trade integration with the Dominican Republic and CARICOM will require middlemen who can facilitate paperwork, aggregation of goods, and cold storage solutions.

3. Boutique Tourism Experiences (Eco-Tours & Culture-Based Travel)

• Opportunity: The ElevateAll Boot Camp signals a push for better tourism business models, with the GTA and ExxonMobil supporting capacity-building.

• Execution: Entrepreneurs can develop niche tourism offerings focused on eco-adventure, culinary experiences, or Amerindian heritage tours to cater to high-value travelers.

• Scalability: Start with guided day tours and expand to longer itineraries with local guesthouse partnerships.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

(Capital Range: GYD $20M – $500M / USD $100K – $2.5M)

1. Transportation & Maritime Logistics for Trade Expansion

• Opportunity: The removal of 57 trade barriers and discussions on regional maritime transport solutions create an opportunity for businesses to fill supply chain gaps.

• Execution: Establish a medium-scale freight forwarding or customs brokerage service for businesses trading between Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and CARICOM.

• Why Now? With Guyana’s deep-water port under development, businesses that secure early contracts in the logistics chain will have a strategic advantage.

2. Oil & Gas Industry Support Services (Seismic Data Processing & Analytics)

• Opportunity: ExxonMobil’s contract with Shearwater Geoservices for 4D seismic surveys signals a need for high-tech oil exploration support.

• Execution: Medium-sized firms can establish data processing and interpretation services for seismic analysis, catering to oil companies, contractors, and investors needing reservoir insights.

• Why Now? The six-month contract with Shearwater suggests a long-term commitment to advanced offshore oil data collection, creating demand for local firms to assist.

3. Smart Compliance & Tech-Based Security Services

• Opportunity: Guyana is set to host the INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference in 2026, highlighting a push for advanced security systems and AI-based monitoring.

• Execution: Develop AI-powered security services such as facial recognition entry systems, cybersecurity consulting, or smart surveillance tech for businesses.

• Potential Clients: Government agencies, corporate offices, embassies, banks, and major private enterprises seeking modern security solutions.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

(Capital Range: GYD $500M+ / USD $2.5M+)

1. Private Sector-Led Maritime Transport for CARICOM Trade

• Opportunity: The CARICOM working group’s focus on regional transport gaps presents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to develop a private-sector-led ferry or freight shipping operation.

• Execution: Establish a roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) ferry service for transporting cargo and passengers between Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados.

• Why Now? The delay in government ferry projects means a private sector-led solution could dominate the market.

2. Large-Scale Agri-Processing & Export Hubs

• Opportunity: The Guyana-Dominican Republic trade discussions emphasize mega-farming, agro-processing, and urea plant development.

• Execution: Develop a processing hub for fruits, vegetables, seafood, or meats targeting exports to Dominican Republic, CARICOM, and beyond.

• Why Now? The push for agriculture-driven investment aligns with Guyana’s food security agenda and regional trade expansion.

3. Oil & Gas Offshore Supply Chain Hub

• Opportunity: With Exxon’s continued expansion in the Stabroek Block, there is massive demand for offshore support services, storage, and logistics.

• Execution: Invest in a full-service oilfield support base offering storage, maintenance, fabrication, and crew accommodation for offshore oil workers.

• Why Now? Exxon expects six oil projects by 2027, making Guyana a multi-billion-dollar offshore logistics market.

Final Thoughts: Why These Opportunities Matter Now

• Government Policy & Enforcement Shifts (e.g., traffic safety, tax enforcement, INTERPOL partnerships) are opening up new business avenues in compliance, logistics, and security.

• CARICOM Trade Barriers Are Being Removed – This means faster trade routes, fewer restrictions, and more regional demand for Guyanese exports.

• Oil & Gas Growth Is Unstoppable – Businesses that align with Exxon’s supply chain, logistics, or data services can secure long-term contracts and guaranteed revenue streams.

• Tourism & Hospitality Investments Are Increasing – The ElevateAll Boot Camp & new airline routes show that Guyana’s tourism industry is primed for growth.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Compliance & Documentation Concierge (Trucking, Business, and Trade Licensing)

Why It Works:

• With new government crackdowns on trucking safety, road law enforcement, and tax compliance, many businesses and individuals will struggle with paperwork and regulations.

• Additionally, businesses expanding into CARICOM trade will need assistance navigating import/export documentation.

How It Works:

• Start by offering a "done-for-you" document preparation service where you assist with:

  • Truck licensing and compliance paperwork

  • Small business tax registration and filing

  • Import/export licenses for CARICOM trade

• Partner with a local attorney or consultant to help process applications and offer guidance.

• Charge a fixed fee per document preparation or a monthly retainer for ongoing services.

Potential Earnings:

• GYD $50,000 - $200,000 per month, depending on the volume of clients.

2. Freight Aggregation & Customs Handling for Regional Trade

Why It Works:

• CARICOM’s removal of 50+ trade barriers will increase small business exports, but many entrepreneurs cannot fill an entire shipping container.

• Small exporters need a way to share freight space to reduce shipping costs.

How It Works:

• Become a "freight aggregator" by collecting small shipments from different businesses and coordinating grouped cargo exports.

• Charge per package or per kilogram to facilitate shipping arrangements.

• Partner with a customs broker to simplify export documentation.

Potential Clients:

• Small farmers, agro-processors, e-commerce sellers, and local manufacturers.

Potential Earnings:

• GYD $100,000 - $500,000 per month (once scaled).

3. High-End Short-Term Rentals for Business Travelers & Expats

Why It Works:

• Guyana is hosting INTERPOL, international trade conferences, and oil industry events, bringing high-income business travelers who want better accommodation than hotels.

• Expats in oil & gas prefer high-quality serviced rentals over staying in hotels for weeks/months.

How It Works:

• Rent or sublet a high-end apartment or home, then furnish and market it as a business executive rental on Airbnb or direct to corporate clients.

• Offer airport pickup, private chef options, or guided tours as premium add-ons.

• Partner with corporate HR teams from oil companies to market the rental.

Potential Earnings:

• GYD $300,000 - $1.2M per month, depending on rental rates and occupancy.

Final Thoughts: Why These Side Hustles Stand Out

• Minimal time commitment: They can be managed part-time while working a full-time job.

• Capitalizing on economic growth: Each idea aligns with Guyana’s business expansion and increased international presence.

• High-income potential: Unlike traditional side hustles, these have strong demand and premium pricing.