DDL’s Savannah Milk Expands to Barbados Amidst Milk Shortage

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has successfully launched its Savannah Milk brand in Barbados, marking a significant move in regional trade during a critical milk shortage. The initiative, supported by the Guyana Office for Investment and Barbados' Special Envoy, underscores CARICOM's commitment to regional food security. DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo emphasized this collaboration as part of reducing CARICOM’s food import bill by 25% by 2025. The first shipment sold out rapidly, highlighting the demand for high-quality dairy products in Barbados, and strengthening economic ties between Guyana and Barbados through the St. Barnabas Accord.

Agriculture Minister Delivers $127M in Heavy-Duty Machinery to Support Drainage

In an effort to bolster the drainage infrastructure within the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and surrounding areas, the Ministry of Agriculture has handed over heavy-duty machinery valued at approximately $127 million. This includes excavators funded through the World Bank’s Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP). The equipment will enhance flood risk management by improving drainage systems in key agricultural zones. In addition, two young women, trained through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), have been hired as certified excavator operators, demonstrating the government’s commitment to youth employment and skills development in the agricultural sector.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Mental Health Services or Counseling Centers

   • Opportunity: With UNICEF’s launch of the “Hear Me Out” campaign focusing on mental health, particularly among young people, small businesses can establish counseling centers or wellness services.

   • Thoughts: These services can cater to schools, communities, or workplaces, offering affordable therapy sessions, stress management workshops, or youth-focused mental health initiatives. This aligns with the growing need for mental health support in Guyana, which could be subsidized through partnerships with UNICEF or local government programs.

2. Eco-Friendly Farming Tools or Advisory Services

   • Opportunity: Guyana’s emphasis on environmental sustainability through the Small Grants Programme (SGP) highlights opportunities for small enterprises to offer eco-friendly farming tools, consultancy, or hands-on training for local farmers.

   • Thoughts: A small enterprise could focus on providing affordable climate-smart tools like drip irrigation kits, organic fertilizers, or even consultancy on eco-friendly farming practices. This could be tied to the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, allowing you to access support or funding.

3. Mental Health Awareness Merchandise

   • Opportunity: As mental health becomes a focus in Guyana, small businesses can create awareness merchandise—such as t-shirts, accessories, and educational materials—that promote mental health and wellbeing.

   • Thoughts: Collaborating with mental health organizations and schools to distribute this merchandise could drive brand visibility while also contributing to an important cause.

4. Pet Care Products and Services

   • Opportunity: With recent discussions around animal welfare and emergency poison treatments for pets, there’s potential for small businesses to offer natural, safe pet care products, grooming, or emergency response services.

   • Thoughts: Focus on offering organic shampoos, flea treatments, or safe grooming kits that are aligned with concerns about harmful chemicals for pets. These could also be sold online or through local veterinarians.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Health and Wellness Centers with a Focus on Mental Health

   • Opportunity: Mental health is a rising concern in Guyana, and medium enterprises can capitalize by developing integrated wellness centers that combine physical fitness, mental health counseling, and workshops.

   • Thoughts: These centers can partner with schools, workplaces, and local government initiatives, offering structured mental health support, stress management classes, and corporate wellness programs. Aligning with UNICEF’s mental health focus can lead to cross-promotional opportunities.

2. Eco-Tech Agricultural Solutions

   • Opportunity: With Guyana focusing on sustainable agriculture through projects like the SGP and the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, medium enterprises can introduce technology solutions for climate-resilient farming.

   • Thoughts: Businesses can import or locally produce eco-friendly equipment, such as solar-powered irrigation systems or vertical farming infrastructure. Additionally, creating platforms for agricultural data tracking (weather, soil quality) could provide vital support to local farmers.

3. Cybersecurity and Digital Solutions for Airports

   • Opportunity: The installation of E-gates at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) provides opportunities for medium enterprises to enter the cybersecurity or airport management sectors, offering tech-based solutions to streamline operations.

   • Thoughts: Beyond the physical gates, medium-sized companies can provide support services, including biometric systems maintenance, cybersecurity services, and further digitalization of airport operations. These solutions could later be expanded to other ports of entry in Guyana.

4. Certified Security Services for Medium-Sized Businesses

   • Opportunity: Given the crackdown on non-compliant security firms by the Guyanese government, medium enterprises can offer certified and fully compliant security services to local businesses.

   • Thoughts: Developing a security company that emphasizes transparency and NIS compliance will help secure government contracts and business from private sector companies looking for reliability. Offering specialized services, such as tech-enabled security, could provide an edge in a competitive market.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Cybersecurity and AI-Based Security Infrastructure

   • Opportunity: With the introduction of E-gates at CJIA and the government's focus on improving cybersecurity, large enterprises specializing in AI, security systems, and biometrics can offer end-to-end solutions to further modernize the airport and expand into other critical infrastructure.

   • Thoughts: Large enterprises could provide full-scale airport management systems, including AI-driven security, facial recognition technology, and autonomous immigration processing systems. Expanding these systems to other airports and border control points presents a significant opportunity.

2. Renewable Energy Projects for Climate Resilient Agriculture

   • Opportunity: As Guyana ramps up its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, large enterprises can explore renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or wind energy solutions, to support sustainable agriculture.

   • Thoughts: Investing in large-scale renewable energy solutions that power farms and communities could reduce Guyana’s carbon footprint and enhance food security. Collaborating with the government could unlock funding or tax incentives, making this a profitable venture with long-term impact.

3. Tech-Based Border Management Solutions

   • Opportunity: With the implementation of new E-gates, large tech companies can explore broader opportunities in the digitalization of border management systems, which could include automating processes and increasing security measures.

   • Thoughts: Beyond just the gates, offering comprehensive solutions such as automated customs checks, AI surveillance, and real-time data analytics for passenger tracking could attract long-term government contracts. Expanding to other regions would position the business as a leader in high-tech border management.

4. Corporate Security Firms and Government Contracts

   • Opportunity: With the government focusing on compliance and back payments from security firms, large enterprises can enter the market with more robust offerings that ensure compliance while providing high-level security services.

   • Thoughts: Large-scale security firms can focus on securing high-profile clients, such as government buildings, airports, and oil companies. By positioning themselves as compliant and technologically advanced, they could dominate the sector in Guyana, securing long-term contracts.

5. Eco-Tourism Ventures

   • Opportunity: With Guyana’s strong push towards sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, large enterprises can invest in high-end eco-tourism projects. These could include eco-friendly resorts or adventure tours focused on Guyana’s natural resources and wildlife.

   • Thoughts: Guyana is well-positioned as an eco-tourism destination due to its rich biodiversity. Developing large-scale eco-resorts or guided tours that emphasize conservation and sustainability would align with both local government goals and global travel trends.

6. Mental Health Infrastructure for Corporate Clients

   • Opportunity: The growing focus on mental health presents an opportunity for large enterprises to develop comprehensive mental health support systems for corporate clients, particularly in high-stress industries like oil and gas or agriculture.

   • Thoughts: Large corporations could provide in-house mental health services, counseling, and wellness programs tailored for their employees, positioning themselves as pioneers in corporate health. These services could extend to regional clients across the Caribbean, given the current mental health campaign.

Conclusion

Today's developments showcase a wealth of opportunities across various sectors—mental health, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and agriculture—without relying on the dairy market. Small businesses can tap into niche services or products, while medium and large enterprises can leverage government partnerships, technological innovation, and the growing demand for sustainability in both agriculture and infrastructure. Opportunities align with current government initiatives, providing a fertile ground for impactful and profitable

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Portable Security System Installation

• Why It Works: With the government’s emphasis on security firm compliance and rising security concerns, individuals can offer part-time services installing low-cost security solutions like CCTV cameras or alarm systems for small businesses and homes.

• How to Start: You can source affordable equipment from local suppliers or import them, then offer installation services on weekends or after hours. The initial investment is low, and the demand for security solutions is growing, especially in underdeveloped areas.

2. Eco-Friendly Farming Tools and Consultancy

• Why It Works: With Guyana’s focus on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, small-scale farmers need help adopting eco-friendly practices. You could provide tools like drip irrigation kits, compost systems, or offer part-time consultancy on eco-friendly farming techniques.

• How to Start: Leverage your knowledge or partner with experts to offer advice or tools to local farmers. Attend farming expos, partner with local agriculture programs, or advertise on social media. This could be started with minimal capital while tapping into the growing push for sustainable practices.

3. Mobile Renewable Energy Rentals

• Why It Works: With a strong push towards sustainable energy and many rural areas experiencing unreliable electricity, renting out solar-powered lighting systems or water pumps is a high-value side hustle that aligns with Guyana’s development trajectory.

• How to Start: Purchase portable solar equipment and rent them out to farmers, market vendors, or households in rural areas. This can be done on a small scale and requires minimal maintenance, offering a sustainable way to earn extra income while supporting the local economy’s shift towards renewable energy.