Guyana Launches National TVET Policy to Tackle Skilled Labor Shortages

The Government of Guyana launched a comprehensive 10-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy aimed at developing skilled workers to meet industry demands, especially in the oil, gas, and construction sectors. The policy will establish a national body for better coordination with the private sector, ensuring training programs align with economic needs. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand emphasized the urgency of addressing skilled labor shortages, indicating that without swift action, Guyana might have to import skills to sustain rapid economic growth.

Govt Negotiating Land Acquisition for Major Energy Project

The government is in active negotiations with farmers on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) to acquire land for several large-scale development projects, including the transformative Gas-to-Energy (GtE) initiative. Attorney General Anil Nandlall highlighted that lands from Friendship to Mocha are needed for erecting transmission lines and constructing highways associated with the project. Once completed, the Gas-to-Energy initiative, including a 300MW power plant operated by Siemens Energy, will significantly cut electricity costs by up to 50%, doubling Guyana's electricity generation and boosting economic competitiveness.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Opportunities for Small Enterprises

1. Green Tech Innovation and Consulting

• Opportunity: Capitalize on the newly launched government-funded Green Tech Fund (up to $1.2M per successful applicant) to create small-scale eco-friendly solutions or provide consulting services to help businesses adopt sustainable practices.

• Notes: Potential focus areas include waste recycling, biodegradable packaging, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy installations.

2. Traffic Safety Equipment and Signage

• Opportunity: Provide traffic safety products (e.g., reflective signage, cones, barriers, safety gear) as ongoing major road and bridge construction across East Coast and East Bank Demerara prompts stricter safety enforcement.

• Notes: Collaborate with local traffic authorities, construction companies, and municipal councils to secure steady supply contracts.

3. Food and Beverage Mobile Units along Major Construction Routes

• Opportunity: Deploy mobile food trucks or carts near construction zones on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and East Coast Demerara, targeting workers, commuters, and residents facing long traffic delays.

• Notes: Focus on convenience, hygiene, and quick-serve foods and beverages tailored for construction workers and daily commuters.

Opportunities for Medium Enterprises

1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Services and Training

• Opportunity: Establish accredited training programs, consultancy, and risk assessment services aligned with the government's integration of AI and digital solutions into occupational health and safety standards.

• Notes: Leverage Minister Joseph Hamilton's emphasis on OHS digitization; potential clients include industrial and manufacturing companies adopting AI-driven safety practices.

2. Specialized Engineering and Construction Services

• Opportunity: Offer niche construction and engineering services to large contractors working on national infrastructure projects (Gas-to-Energy project, highways, and bridges). Specializations include structural inspections, prefabricated concrete solutions, and construction support logistics.

• Notes: Partner with international contractors (such as Shandong Highspeed Dejian Group) and major local developers (like Namalco) to supply specialized skills and products.

3. Medical and Educational Supplies and Services

• Opportunity: Supply medical equipment, educational tools, and laboratory consumables for the new College of Medical Sciences at UG, and other expanding medical facilities. Offer supplementary services such as maintenance, repair, and staff training.

• Notes: Position the business as a reliable local supplier to reduce dependence on foreign imports; establish long-term relationships with educational and healthcare institutions.

Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Energy Infrastructure and Support Services

• Opportunity: Provide extensive engineering, logistical, and support services to the government’s Gas-to-Energy (GtE) initiative, including the construction of power plants, transmission lines, substations, and associated infrastructure.

• Notes: The scale of the Gas-to-Energy initiative and its importance to Guyana's future economy requires established and financially stable firms. Strategic international partnerships or joint ventures (e.g., Siemens Energy) could facilitate entry.

2. AI-Integrated Workplace Safety Platforms

• Opportunity: Develop and implement large-scale AI-powered occupational safety management systems. Offer customized AI-based analytics, predictive safety solutions, robotics, and digital safety training for the industrial, oil & gas, and construction sectors.

• Notes: Align closely with government policy and regulatory standards outlined by the Labour Ministry, positioning as a leader in technology-driven workplace safety solutions.

3. Private Medical Education and Healthcare Facilities

• Opportunity: Establish or expand high-quality private medical colleges, specialty clinics, and hospitals to complement the newly opened UG College of Medical Sciences. Address the anticipated surge in demand for healthcare professionals and healthcare services as Guyana opens six new regional hospitals.

• Notes: Opportunities include forming PPPs (public-private partnerships), and providing niche medical services currently underserved in the public system, such as oncology, advanced diagnostics, and telemedicine.

Strategic Note:
The emphasis by the Guyanese Government on infrastructure, sustainability, health, and safety strongly influences today's business landscape. Opportunities identified are strategically aligned with national priorities and have substantial potential for profitable engagement at various enterprise levels.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Pop-Up Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training

Concept:

• Offer short, affordable training workshops or digital content for construction workers, small businesses, and service-sector employees on Occupational Health and Safety basics, aligned with the government’s new push for safety enhanced by AI and digital tools.

• Provide certificates to boost attendee credentials, making them more employable or valuable to their existing employers.

Why It Works:

• OHS awareness and standards are gaining importance due to the government’s safety initiatives.

• Easy to deliver after hours or weekends using rented spaces, existing community halls, or virtually.

• High perceived value for small companies and contractors who must meet compliance standards.

2. Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Supply

Concept:

• Source or produce affordable eco-friendly packaging products—such as biodegradable plates, cups, utensils, bags, and straws—and sell them directly to street vendors, small restaurants, cafés, and roadside snack stalls.

• Tie marketing directly to the government’s Green Tech Fund initiatives and broader public awareness of sustainability.

Why It Works:

• Increasing national focus on sustainable practices, driven by recent government-backed green initiatives.

• Low overhead, as packaging materials can be imported affordably from regional suppliers (e.g., Trinidad, Brazil, or Colombia).

• Recurring revenue from repeat customer base of food sellers who continuously need packaging.

3. Farmer’s Land Negotiation Consulting

Concept:

• Provide simple negotiation advisory and representation services to small farmers impacted by the government’s land acquisition projects along the East Bank Demerara, helping them get fair compensation or better agreements.

• Charge an affordable flat fee or modest percentage based on successfully negotiated outcomes.

Why It Works:

• Relevant to today’s news: government actively acquiring farmland for national infrastructure like the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project.

• Requires minimal investment—primarily legal understanding (which can be learned or outsourced to freelance legal advisors).

• Strong demand from farmers who lack expertise or resources to negotiate effectively.

Strategic Insight:
These new ideas focus on easy startup, minimal capital, and high relevance to current national developments. Each leverages existing market gaps created by ongoing economic growth, government initiatives, or national infrastructure expansion, making them ideal as practical, profitable side hustles.