New Amsterdam Town Day Postponed Due to Beverage Shortage

The New Amsterdam Town Council has postponed its Town Day celebrations by a week due to a shortage of popular beverages, which impacted local vendors and businesses. The council hopes that by rescheduling to November 9, suppliers, including major sponsor Banks DIH, can replenish stocks, enabling vendors to maximize profits. Town Day, a significant economic opportunity for small businesses in the region, will still feature a scaled-down "warm-up" event this weekend, giving locals a preview and promoting New Amsterdam’s community spirit.

Brackish Water Shrimp Production Surges in Guyana’s Region Six

Brackish water shrimp farming in Region Six has seen a dramatic rise in production, now yielding approximately 98,000 kilograms monthly—a significant leap from previous outputs of 9,000 kilograms. The sector's expansion, backed by government funding and infrastructure development, has driven an economic boost for local shrimp farmers. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced the completion of 75% of new shrimp ponds, with more to follow. While shrimp prices have surged, the government is working to ensure consumers benefit from these initiatives, balancing economic growth with fair market practices.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Event Beverage and Food Supply Services

   • Opportunity: The beverage shortage at New Amsterdam Town Day reveals a demand for local food and drink suppliers at events. Small enterprises could provide locally produced alternatives, such as juices, snacks, or baked goods.

   • Notes: Consider building a reliable inventory for popular event days and partnering with local beverage companies to ensure stock.

2. Agricultural Support Services for Region Six Shrimp Farmers

   • Opportunity: The increase in shrimp production presents a need for small-scale support services, including equipment repair, packaging, and local logistics for transporting products.

   • Notes: Providing quick, affordable services directly in shrimp farming areas could build a dependable client base and support local agricultural expansion.

3. Travel and Hospitality Experiences

   • Opportunity: With new flights between Guyana and Suriname, there’s a market for curated travel experiences, including guided tours, shuttles, and dining experiences.

   • Notes: By establishing partnerships with hotels and tour operators, small enterprises can create unique packages that cater to the needs of tourists and business travelers.

Medium Enterprises

1. Agricultural Equipment and Supply Chain Solutions

   • Opportunity: Government investments in Upper Corentyne agriculture mean an increased need for farming equipment, irrigation systems, and maintenance services. Medium enterprises can tap into these demands by offering tailored solutions for crop and cane farming.

   • Notes: Establishing a service or sales hub in the area can improve visibility and customer access, creating strong client relationships.

2. Energy Efficiency and Waste Management Services for Oil Industry

   • Opportunity: With ongoing oil development projects like Whiptail, there’s potential for medium-sized enterprises to offer services related to energy efficiency, waste management, and spill containment.

   • Notes: Emphasizing eco-friendly solutions and aligning with governmental environmental priorities could make these services attractive to both oil companies and regulators.

3. Event Management and Logistics

   • Opportunity: The beverage shortage at Town Day highlights a need for event management services that can handle logistics, vendor coordination, and supply chain support.

   • Notes: Developing a network of reliable suppliers and offering package services for events can help secure ongoing contracts with local councils and private organizers.

Large Enterprises

1. Oil and Gas Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: ExxonMobil’s ongoing developments present substantial opportunities in offshore infrastructure and facility construction. Large firms could secure contracts for platforms, storage facilities, and transportation hubs.

   • Notes: Aligning with environmental standards and securing local partnerships could strengthen bids for major projects.

2. Agribusiness Expansion and Processing Facilities

   • Opportunity: The expansion in shrimp and agriculture production in regions like Upper Corentyne offers potential for large-scale agribusiness investment, including processing facilities and export-oriented operations.

   • Notes: Establishing processing plants and forming partnerships with local cooperatives can streamline production and increase market competitiveness.

3. Integrated Safety and Compliance Services for Oil Industry

   • Opportunity: The Labour Ministry’s inspections on FPSOs highlight a need for large-scale safety and compliance audits, training, and certification services in the oil sector.

   • Notes: Developing a dedicated safety compliance division with comprehensive audit and training programs could establish the enterprise as a go-to provider for the industry, ensuring adherence to both local and international standards.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Event Beverage and Snack Reseller

• Concept: With demand spikes seen at events like New Amsterdam Town Day due to beverage shortages, locals could profit by buying wholesale beverages and popular snacks, storing them, and reselling at community events, markets, and even directly to small businesses.

• Execution: Purchase beverages and snacks in bulk from local distributors, ideally focusing on high-demand items like cold drinks, fruit juices, and popular snacks. Sell at a premium during local events, pop-up markets, or through delivery services to vendors facing stock shortages.

• Why It Works: This requires minimal setup costs and can quickly generate cash flow, especially with a focus on local events or weekends. With consistent event attendance and quality supplies, there’s strong potential to build repeat clientele and capitalize on high-demand days.

2. Airbnb Experience Host for Eco-Tourism and Cultural Tours

• Concept: With the Essequibo Coast and other regions ramping up tourism, locals could offer unique Airbnb experiences or guided tours, tapping into the growing tourism sector. This could involve eco-tours, cultural experiences, or even culinary sessions focused on local Guyanese cuisine.

• Execution: Set up an Airbnb Experience (or similar) to offer short, culturally immersive activities for tourists, such as half-day eco-tours, culinary tastings, or historical walks. Market these through social media and connect with local hotels to increase visibility.

• Why It Works: Tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, and Guyana’s natural beauty and unique culture are ideal for this. With minimal upfront investment (mainly in marketing), individuals can profit from the expanding tourism market without needing to own a property or large assets.

3. Pop-Up Food Stand Featuring Locally Sourced Ingredients

• Concept: Given the renewed focus on agriculture in regions like Upper Corentyne, a small-scale pop-up food stand offering dishes made with locally sourced ingredients could attract attention. This could be set up during high-footfall times at community gatherings, markets, or near busy work sites.

• Execution: Source ingredients like shrimp from local shrimp farms or vegetables from Upper Corentyne farmers, focusing on a unique menu of “farm-to-table” Guyanese-inspired dishes. Use weekends or peak times to set up at popular areas, events, or near business districts.

• Why It Works: This side hustle capitalizes on fresh, local ingredients and offers a distinct appeal by supporting local farmers. There’s a low barrier to entry with potential for high margins, especially for unique dishes that cater to both locals and tourists looking for an authentic taste of Guyana.