National Housing Policy to Address Homeownership and Squatting

Guyana’s Ministry of Housing and Water is drafting a comprehensive policy to ensure safe, affordable housing for all. The strategy includes enhancing homeownership access and tackling squatting through a phased approach. Initial efforts in Region Three aim to regularize settlements before expanding nationwide. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving living standards and supporting sustainable urban development.

$700M Awarded for Recycling Centre and Hazardous Waste Cell at Haags Bosch

Guyana is making strides in sustainable waste management with contracts exceeding $700 million for a recycling centre and hazardous waste cell at Haags Bosch, East Bank Demerara. These facilities aim to repurpose recyclable materials and safely manage toxic waste, including materials from offshore oil operations. The Ministry of Local Government has invested over $4 billion in solid waste projects since 2020, positioning Haags Bosch as a regional model for eco-friendly practices.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Eco-Friendly Product Manufacturing and Recycling Services

   • Opportunity: The $700M investment in a recycling center and hazardous waste cell at Haags Bosch highlights increasing government and private sector focus on waste management. Small businesses can produce eco-friendly products like reusable bags, biodegradable packaging, or recycled plastic products.

   • Thoughts: Collaborate with the recycling center for raw materials and focus on niche markets like eco-conscious consumers and exporters requiring sustainable packaging.

2. Home Construction Support Services

   • Opportunity: The Young Professionals Housing Project and broader housing developments require ancillary services, such as cleaning, landscaping, and small-scale furniture production for new homeowners.

   • Thoughts: Offer affordable, customizable options to target first-time homeowners. Partnerships with contractors or housing agencies could generate steady demand.

3. Hydroponics Farm Support

   • Opportunity: The government’s push for modern farming methods, as seen with the CV Farm and tissue culture lab, creates space for small enterprises to supply hydroponics equipment, seeds, or technical consulting services.

   • Thoughts: Focus on entry-level solutions for small-scale farmers, leveraging subsidies or training programs offered by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Waste Management and Logistics

   • Opportunity: The hazardous waste cell at Haags Bosch opens a market for specialized logistics services for transporting and handling waste, particularly for offshore oil operations.

   • Thoughts: Build capacity in compliance with environmental regulations and explore partnerships with oil companies like ExxonMobil or government bodies.

2. Agricultural Export Value Chains

   • Opportunity: The food terminal project involving Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad offers opportunities for processing, packaging, and exporting local produce, such as cassava, peppers, and pineapples.

   • Thoughts: Invest in medium-scale processing facilities and certifications (e.g., HACCP, organic) to access regional and international markets.

3. Renewable Energy Installation Services

   • Opportunity: With projects like the Corentyne River Bridge and increasing industrial activity, renewable energy solutions (e.g., solar and wind) can target small businesses and homeowners in underserved areas.

   • Thoughts: Focus on hybrid systems combining solar panels and battery backups, catering to regions with inconsistent electricity supply.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Construction and Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Large enterprises can bid for contracts on transformative infrastructure projects like the Corentyne River Bridge or new housing developments.

   • Thoughts: Establish joint ventures with international construction firms to enhance capacity and competitiveness for major bids.

2. Energy and Utilities

   • Opportunity: The addition of power ships and the ongoing Gas-to-Energy project present opportunities to supply equipment, operate facilities, or invest in expanding the national grid.

   • Thoughts: Explore long-term agreements with the government or collaborate with international energy firms to secure a foothold in Guyana’s growing energy sector.

3. Integrated Agribusiness and Food Processing

   • Opportunity: The tissue culture lab and food terminal project create opportunities for large-scale agribusiness investments in crop production, processing, and export.

   • Thoughts: Develop vertically integrated operations that combine farming, processing, and distribution to serve both regional markets and export destinations.

General Notes

• Regional Collaboration: Opportunities, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure, require partnerships with regional stakeholders, as seen in the Guyana-Barbados-Trinidad food terminal and the Corentyne River Bridge.

• Government Alignment: Many projects are driven by government initiatives, so maintaining relationships with policymakers and aligning proposals with national development goals is crucial.

• Sustainability Focus: Across all sectors, incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices will not only align with global trends but also meet the requirements of government regulations and international markets.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Specialty Urban Agriculture: Hydroponics Micro-Farms

• Why It Works: With the government pushing for modern farming practices, including hydroponics, small-scale indoor farming of high-value crops like herbs (basil, cilantro) and microgreens could be profitable. These crops grow quickly, require minimal space, and have high demand among upscale restaurants and health-conscious consumers.

• How to Start: Invest in a basic hydroponics kit (~$300-$500 USD) and start small, supplying local farmers' markets, restaurants, or even directly to customers via social media.

• Scalability: With consistent income, expand into supplying equipment or offering training workshops for other aspiring micro-farmers.

2. Mobile Eco-Waste Solutions

• Why It Works: With increasing focus on sustainable waste management (e.g., Haags Bosch recycling center), a mobile service that collects recyclables like plastic bottles, e-waste, or glass from households and businesses can tap into this trend.

• How to Start: Use a small vehicle or even a bicycle with a trailer to collect materials and deliver them to recycling centers for a fee. Partner with local businesses to offer waste collection subscriptions.

• Scalability: Over time, add value by sorting and pre-processing waste or offering educational services on recycling to schools and companies.

3. On-Demand Tourism Experiences

• Why It Works: Guyana’s growing economy and infrastructure (e.g., Corentyne River Bridge, eco-tourism focus) attract both local and international tourists. Offering niche experiences such as guided nature tours, historical walks, or food tours could be lucrative.

• How to Start: Create tailored, affordable experiences using local knowledge and assets. Example: weekend "Eco-Explorer Tours" or "Cultural Food Walks" priced at $50-$100 USD per person.

• Scalability: Build partnerships with local hotels, travel agents, or event planners, and use social media for promotion. Eventually, expand into multi-day curated experiences.

Why These Ideas Work in Guyana

• Low Start-Up Costs: These ideas require minimal upfront investment, making them accessible for those already working full-time.

• Alignment with Trends: Each idea ties directly to current developments (e.g., sustainability, agriculture, tourism) in Guyana’s expanding economy.

• Scalable Models: These side hustles can grow into full-time businesses as demand and capital increase.