Oko West Gold Project: Boosting Guyana’s Mining Sector with a $1.5 Billion Investment

Guyana’s mining industry is set for a major revival with the upcoming $1.5 billion Oko West Gold Project, set to launch by 2027 in Region Seven. This project, led by G Mining Ventures Corp, spans 44 square kilometers and aims to create around 1,700 jobs during its build phase. The operation, focused on local employment and training, anticipates annual production exceeding 35,000 ounces of gold. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing natural resources, with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn hailing the project as pivotal for Guyana’s sustainable economic growth.

Tourism Program Expands Youth Opportunities with Internships and Mentorship

The Student Work and Internship for Tourism (SWIFT) program, a collaboration between GTA and THAG, continues to build a skilled workforce in Guyana’s burgeoning tourism sector. Through hands-on internships with tourism businesses and one-on-one mentorship, SWIFT has supported 17 students this year, preparing them for careers in hospitality, culinary arts, event management, and more. Industry leaders believe that engaging youth early is crucial to developing a sustainable tourism industry, highlighting career growth and economic stability in a sector poised for significant expansion.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE) Opportunities

1. Portable Sanitation and Safety Kits for Public Transport

   • Opportunity: Create and sell portable sanitation kits and small-scale security solutions for passengers on public transport like the MV MA Lisha, addressing current cleanliness and security concerns.

   • Notes: Kits could include items like hand sanitizers, masks, wipes, and small security accessories to help reduce theft incidents.

2. Civic Education Workshops and Tools

   • Opportunity: Develop affordable educational workshops or digital guides to help communities understand parliamentary processes, inspired by Guyana’s involvement in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

   • Notes: Such services could appeal to NGOs, schools, or community groups interested in promoting civic awareness.

3. Eco-Tourism and Cultural Tours

   • Opportunity: Launch small-scale eco-tourism and cultural experiences that emphasize Guyana’s natural landscape and cultural heritage, aligning with sustainable tourism trends.

   • Notes: As more infrastructure improves, there’s potential to attract both local and regional visitors to community-focused eco-tourism offerings.

Medium Enterprises (ME) Opportunities

1. Data and Analytics Services for CARICOM Compliance

   • Opportunity: Provide analytics, data visualization, and consulting services to help governments and institutions meet CARICOM’s data standards and support transparency in governance.

   • Notes: As CARICOM prioritizes statistics, MEs can leverage this demand by offering solutions that simplify data reporting and analysis.

2. Healthcare Training Programs

   • Opportunity: Establish healthcare and midwifery training programs, inspired by Guyana’s new midwifery initiative with Canada, to train healthcare workers in high-demand fields.

   • Notes: This could expand to include training for general healthcare, nursing, and administrative roles, addressing local and regional demand.

3. Project Management for Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Offer specialized project management services for government healthcare and infrastructure projects, which are expanding throughout the country.

   • Notes: Expertise in project timelines, supply chain logistics, and resource allocation can help avoid delays and improve efficiency in these large-scale public projects.

Large Enterprises (LE) Opportunities

1. AI and Data Solutions for Government and CARICOM Compliance

   • Opportunity: Provide comprehensive data management and AI solutions to support CARICOM’s data initiatives and improve regional governance.

   • Notes: Leveraging AI for data accuracy and security can help establish a robust framework that meets CARICOM’s statistical standards.

2. Healthcare Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Large companies could enter public-private partnerships (PPPs) to finance, develop, and manage new healthcare facilities in Guyana, such as specialized hospitals and regional health centers.

   • Notes: The hospital project delays indicate a need for reliable partners, with opportunities in managing these facilities once established.

3. Corporate Security and Asset Management Solutions for Public Transport

   • Opportunity: Offer security and asset management solutions, such as advanced monitoring and tracking systems for government-run public transport.

   • Notes: This could involve implementing surveillance, tracking of goods, and staff accountability measures to improve safety and efficiency, addressing issues like theft and operational shortcomings.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Sanitation and Safety Services for Public Transport and Events

• Concept: Offer mobile sanitation and security kits tailored for transport services (like the MV MA Lisha ferry) and public events. With ongoing concerns over hygiene and theft in public spaces, there’s a demand for on-the-go solutions.

• How It Works: Assemble and sell portable kits with essentials like hand sanitizer, masks, wipes, and small security gadgets. This could be marketed to passengers, event-goers, or even offered to businesses as a monthly subscription for regular refills.

• Value: Minimal overhead, potential for recurring revenue through subscriptions, and the flexibility to manage orders and deliveries outside of regular working hours.

2. Customized Training for Data Skills in the CARICOM Context

• Concept: Start an online side business offering short courses or workshops on essential data skills aligned with CARICOM standards, such as data entry, management, and basic analysis. With CARICOM’s emphasis on better data collection and use, many local businesses and individuals need to build these capabilities.

• How It Works: Offer affordable virtual or in-person weekend classes on data literacy, Excel, and introductory data analysis. Courses can be customized to meet local demands, with options for certification or personalized coaching.

• Value: Little initial investment if done online, flexibility to expand into business-specific courses, and potential to create a strong personal brand in a growing field with high demand.

3. On-Demand Eco-Cultural Tours for Visitors and Locals

• Concept: With Guyana’s beautiful, undeveloped natural landscapes and an increasing interest in sustainable tourism, provide on-demand eco-tourism experiences that combine nature and local culture. Focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences tailored for small groups.

• How It Works: Offer curated half-day or day trips to scenic spots, heritage sites, or eco-friendly farms. Leverage weekends or early morning tours to avoid interference with a regular job, and collaborate with local guides, farmers, and artisans to add value.

• Value: High value for both tourists and locals wanting authentic experiences. With the right marketing, this side hustle could earn premium pricing as sustainable tourism gains popularity, especially with Guyana’s economic boom attracting more international attention.