Government Plans to Allocate 15,000 New House Lots by June

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has announced that the government will allocate 15,000 new house lots and develop 20 new housing areas by June 2025. The initiative is part of the PPP/C administration’s plan to deliver 50,000 house lots by the end of its term. The $135.7 billion budget allocation for the ministry will support new housing schemes, infrastructure, and homeownership incentives. Opposition MP Annette Ferguson challenged the government’s claim, arguing that it has failed to meet its targets, but Croal defended the administration’s track record, citing 40,808 house lots issued since 2020.

Two New Ferries to Improve Transport in Regions 1 & 2

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has confirmed that two new ferries will be purchased for Regions 1 (Barima-Waini) and 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), improving transportation for residents and businesses. The aging MV Kimbia, in operation since the 1950s, will be converted into a cargo transport vessel. Additionally, a new ferry is planned for the Parika-Supenaam route in Region 2, as part of broader investments in Guyana’s maritime infrastructure. The government also continues work on a regional ferry service linking Guyana with Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, which will be based in Parika.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE)

1. Logistics & Ferry Support Services

   • With the government allocating funds for two additional ferries in Regions 1 & 2, there is an opportunity for small businesses to provide transport, catering, and retail services at ferry terminals.

   • Small food vendors, taxi operators, and ticketing services could see increased demand.

   • Idea: A well-branded mobile food cart or small retail kiosk at ferry terminals could be a profitable investment.

2. Construction & Home Improvement Services

   • The government's announcement of 15,000 new house lots and 20 new housing areas by June 2025 means there will be a high demand for small construction contractors, carpenters, painters, and interior decorators.

   • Idea: A business that offers affordable prefabricated home solutions or eco-friendly home improvement services (solar panels, rainwater harvesting) could gain traction.

3. Pharmaceutical & Medical Supply Distribution

   • The government claims the supply of essential pharmaceuticals is at 90% across the country, but gaps remain.

   • Small pharmacies and medical supply businesses could thrive in underserved areas.

   • Idea: A wholesale-to-retail distribution business for generic medicines and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals could cater to demand, especially in rural and hinterland communities.

Medium Enterprises (ME)

1. Construction & Infrastructure Subcontracting

   • With Guyana undergoing rapid infrastructure expansion, there is room for subcontractors specializing in roads, bridges, and housing.

   • The government’s $135.7 billion budget for housing and infrastructure projects creates a strong pipeline of work.

   • Idea: A medium-sized construction firm focused on subcontracting for government projects in new housing developments or commercial builds.

2. Renewable Energy Solutions

   • President Irfaan Ali emphasized sustainability and infrastructure for economic expansion.

   • Solar energy, water treatment, and smart city solutions will gain prominence.

   • Idea: A business that installs and maintains solar energy systems for homes and businesses could benefit from government incentives in sustainability.

3. Cargo & Regional Logistics Services

   • With the MV Kimbia being converted into a cargo transport vessel and the introduction of new ferries, there will be increased cargo movement.

   • Idea: A mid-sized logistics company offering inter-regional cargo transport, warehousing, and last-mile delivery services.

Large Enterprises (LE)

1. Deep Water Harbour & Maritime Services

   • The Berbice Deep Water Harbour is a critical project that will turn Guyana into a major logistics and transportation hub.

   • Idea: Large enterprises should consider investing in port operations, ship maintenance, or bulk cargo logistics to service the growing oil & gas and general trade sectors.

2. High-End Real Estate & Hospitality

   • With the government’s aggressive housing expansion and regional investment push, luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects will find growing demand.

   • Idea: Developing premium residential communities, hotels, or commercial office spaces in fast-growing urban centers.

3. Agri-Tech & Large-Scale Farming

   • With CARICOM emphasizing food security (25% by 2025), there is an opportunity for large agribusinesses to invest in scalable agriculture.

   • Idea: Large enterprises could develop agri-tech farms focusing on high-yield, export-driven crops, supported by smart irrigation and sustainable farming technologies.

Final Thoughts

Guyana’s expanding infrastructure, real estate boom, and focus on sustainability create multiple business opportunities at all levels. Small businesses should focus on localized services, medium enterprises on logistics and subcontracting, and large enterprises on strategic national projects.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Executive Concierge & Personal Shopping Service

Why This Works:

• Expats, oil executives, and business professionals are too busy to run errands, shop, or handle personal tasks.

• There is no established luxury concierge service in Guyana.

• Many expats struggle to find high-quality goods and want VIP service for groceries, gifts, and personal errands.

How to Start:

• Offer a premium personal shopping & concierge service for high-net-worth clients.

• Focus on luxury and hard-to-find items (imported groceries, wine, cigars, home essentials, tech gadgets).

• Market to oil company executives, embassies, and corporate professionals.

• Partner with importers and boutique retailers to offer exclusive, hard-to-get products.

Pro Tip:

Create a VIP Membership Package for recurring clients at GYD $200,000 per month, where they get priority service and unlimited requests.

2. VIP Airport Transfer & Luxury Chauffeur Service

Why This Works:

• Business travelers, oil executives, and wealthy tourists need reliable, high-end transport but don't want to use regular taxis.

• Guyana lacks premium car service options, especially for VIP clients.

• Expats and corporate guests prefer pre-booked, professional drivers over local taxis.

How to Start:

• Invest in or lease a high-end SUV or executive sedan (Toyota Prado, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, etc.).

• Offer VIP airport transfers, corporate chauffeur services, and hourly car hire for business travelers.

• Partner with hotels, oil companies, and travel agencies to get corporate bookings.

• Provide add-ons like cold towels, bottled water, free WiFi, and security escort options.

Pro Tip:

Offer an exclusive "black car" subscription service for corporate clients, giving them priority access to luxury rides on demand.

3. High-Profit Ghost Kitchen for Premium Takeout & Catering

Why This Works:

• Executives, business professionals, and expats want high-quality meals but don’t have time to cook.

• Guyana lacks premium takeout options that cater to high-income individuals.

• Corporate events, embassy gatherings, and oil company functions need upscale catering.

How to Start:

• Launch a "Ghost Kitchen" (a delivery-only food business) specializing in high-end meals, gourmet meal prep, and corporate catering.

• Focus on quality over quantity – use premium ingredients and charge higher prices for exclusivity.

• Partner with corporate offices, oil companies, and embassies for recurring catering deals.

• Offer "subscription meal plans" for busy professionals – weekly or monthly pre-ordered meals.

Pro Tip:

Offer "oilfield meal deliveries" for workers who need high-protein, nutritious food at remote sites – a huge untapped market.

Key Takeaway:

If you want a high-value side hustle in Guyana, sell premium services to premium clients – that’s where the real money is.