Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Project Could Self-Fund in Eight Years, VP Jagdeo Says

Guyana’s ambitious Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project, estimated at $761 million, has the potential to pay for itself in just eight years through the sale of liquified natural gas (LNG), according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. The project, which will also provide cheaper, more reliable electricity for Guyanese consumers, includes an integrated LNG plant and a 300-megawatt power station. With an expected revenue of $106 million annually from LNG sales, the project could generate substantial financial returns without direct costs to taxpayers. The government aims for the GtE project to be operational by 2025, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions across the country.

New Model Farm in Tarlogie Promotes Sustainable Agriculture in Guyana

Guyana's agriculture sector took a significant step forward with the commissioning of a model farm in Tarlogie, East Berbice Corentyne. Funded through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Development Project, the $14 million initiative aims to modernize local agriculture, enhance food security, and encourage younger generations to view farming as a viable career. Equipped with various farming facilities, including shade houses and composting units, this fourth model farm focuses on sustainable practices and innovation. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted that agriculture remains a pillar of Guyana's economy, underscoring its role in achieving national food security and reducing dependency on imports.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE)

1. Mobile Food and Beverage Stalls at Events
   Opportunity: With high-profile events like the ExxonMobil T20 League and the Miami Culture event upcoming, mobile food stalls can capitalize on event-goers seeking quick, tasty bites. Focus on signature Guyanese dishes or fusion options that appeal to international guests. Notes: Partnering with organizers for exclusive spots at venues could boost visibility, and preparing a mix of local and international snack items can appeal to diverse audiences.

2. Portable Car Detailing Services
   Opportunity: Following Vivaanta’s entry into the auto care market, small-scale portable car detailing businesses can offer convenience by bringing services directly to clients at home or work. Notes: Targeting clients in suburban areas or partnering with local businesses with vehicle fleets could secure regular revenue streams, especially for quick washes and interior detailing.

3. Event Merchandise and Apparel
   Opportunity: With multiple sporting events and cultural celebrations, small businesses can produce customized merchandise, from T-shirts to hats, for event attendees.
   Notes: Partnering with local designers to create limited-edition collections for specific events like the T20 League can drive demand. Online sales channels can also capture the diaspora market.

Medium Enterprises (ME)

1. Event Management and Hospitality Services
   Opportunity: With the T20 League and Sinclair’s softball tournament drawing crowds, medium-sized businesses could offer comprehensive event management services, including logistics, VIP hospitality, and ticketing solutions. Notes: Forming strategic alliances with event organizers and sponsors could build a reputation and lead to more contracts. Specialized services, such as corporate packages, could increase revenue.

2. Eco-Friendly Auto Detailing and Equipment Supply
   Opportunity: Given the rise of eco-conscious services like Vivaanta’s Auto Spa, medium enterprises can provide environmentally friendly cleaning products or even lease detailing equipment to other car care businesses. Notes: Securing a distribution partnership with eco-friendly manufacturers and offering ongoing maintenance could establish a niche in the growing auto care market.

3. Local Agricultural Supply Chain Support for Model Farms
   Opportunity: With new model farms promoting sustainable agriculture, there’s demand for specialized agricultural supplies, like organic fertilizers and climate-smart irrigation systems. Notes: By forming partnerships with agricultural organizations and the Ministry of Agriculture, businesses can secure bulk orders and gain a foothold in this expanding sector.

Large Enterprises (LE)

1. Energy Infrastructure and Consultancy for Gas-to-Energy Projects
   Opportunity: As Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy initiative expands, large firms can provide consultancy services in LNG infrastructure, logistics, and workforce training for energy projects. Notes: Leveraging international partnerships, especially in the energy sector, could build a long-term pipeline of government and corporate contracts focused on energy innovation.

2. VIP Hospitality Venues and Experiences for Sporting and Cultural Events
   Opportunity: With international cricket tournaments and cultural events on the horizon, large enterprises could invest in VIP lounges or high-end hospitality venues around major events to cater to affluent spectators. Notes: Creating exclusive packages and premium experiences could elevate Guyana’s profile as an entertainment destination, especially appealing to international guests and the corporate sector.

3. Skilled Vocational Training Centers for Industrial Workforce
   Opportunity: With the industrial and infrastructure sectors booming, large enterprises can partner with educational institutions to develop training centers for welding, fabrication, and technical skills needed in energy and construction. Notes: Public-private partnerships could attract government funding and produce a pipeline of skilled workers for Guyana’s growing industrial sectors, positioning these centers as national assets.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Event Catering with a Cultural Twist

Idea: Set up a small catering service offering event-specific cuisine with themed menus. With Guyana hosting a growing number of international events, from T20 cricket tournaments to cultural festivals, a mobile catering service offering “taste-of-Guyana” menus or American-themed snacks for events like “What Happens in Miami” could be highly lucrative.

 How It Works: Prepare and deliver culturally themed, snack-sized meals or treats that are easy to serve on-site. Each event could feature a unique menu—think BBQ sliders, empanadas, pepperpot bites, or tropical-inspired desserts.

Why It Works: People love convenient, high-quality food options at events, and by focusing on culturally relevant themes, this side hustle would stand out. You can also add a pre-order option for guests to secure snacks in advance or have them delivered to their seats at venues.

2. Local Artisanal Souvenir Production and Online Sales

Idea: Create handcrafted souvenirs that capture Guyana’s heritage and natural beauty, then sell them through an online marketplace and at pop-up stalls at local events.

How It Works: Partner with artisans or learn basic crafting skills to create items like Guyanese jewelry, miniature wooden carvings, or Guyana-themed apparel (like scarves or bandanas featuring traditional patterns). List items on social media or an e-commerce platform like Etsy, and pop up at events to capture local buyers and tourists.

Why It Works: Guyana’s growth has increased interest in local products, especially as tourism grows. Offering unique, quality souvenirs helps visitors bring home a piece of Guyana, while an online presence captures the interest of the diaspora. Plus, this side hustle can be done during evenings and weekends with flexible production schedules.

3. Sports and Event Photography Services

Idea: Offer photography services specifically for events, capturing memorable moments at sports tournaments, cultural festivals, and corporate gatherings. These photos could then be sold directly to attendees or licensed to media outlets.

How It Works: Use a high-quality camera or smartphone (with good editing software) to capture highlights, candid shots, or participant portraits. Set up an online portfolio where attendees can view and purchase digital downloads or prints.

Why It Works: People attending events want to preserve memories, and by focusing on event photography, you can carve out a niche in the growing event market. With basic photography skills and the right marketing approach, this hustle can grow through word-of-mouth and social media exposure. Moreover, as the oil industry attracts international visitors and events, high-quality photography services could become highly sought after.