President Ali Accelerates Energy Access for Crabwood Creek and Moleson Creek Communities

In response to long-standing appeals for power infrastructure, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has expedited the connection of 125 homes in Crabwood Creek and Moleson Creek, Berbice, to the national electricity grid. This initiative comes after a site visit where President Ali committed to immediate action, allowing residents to replace solar power with grid electricity. While some homes still face wiring costs, residents express gratitude for the improved living standards and access to modern appliances. This project exemplifies the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructural needs in rural Guyana, particularly as development accelerates in previously underserved areas.

Automation Push for Guyana’s Home Affairs Ministries Aims to Curb Corruption

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced an ambitious goal for full automation within the Ministry of Home Affairs by August 2025, aimed at reducing corruption and streamlining operations. The initiative promises to modernize key systems, allowing for faster information access, improved national security measures, and comprehensive digital records for vital statistics and criminal justice. This automation project aligns with Guyana’s broader digitization strategy, which includes plans for paperless airports and smart technology integration across public services. This digital transformation seeks to boost transparency, efficiency, and economic productivity as the country adapts to its growing economy and infrastructural needs.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

1. Small Enterprises (SE)

• Local Solar Panel and Wiring Installations
  The need for affordable electrical solutions in rural areas like Crabwood Creek and Moleson Creek, where homes are being newly connected to the national grid, opens a niche for solar panel suppliers and electricians. SEs can offer basic wiring, small solar setups, or energy-efficient lighting solutions to residents who are now gaining electricity access but may need initial wiring or retrofitting.

  • Note: There’s a cost sensitivity here; targeting financing or low-installment payment options could increase adoption among lower-income households.

• Cassava-Based Product Line
  Inspired by Luke’s Manufacturing success with cassava products, there’s an opportunity for small enterprises to explore cassava or other local ingredient-based products (e.g., plantain chips, porridge). With GNBS certification, small brands can enhance credibility and increase sales both locally and regionally.

  • Consideration: Building a distinctive brand or flavor that stands out is crucial, especially in the competitive Guyanese agro-processing market. Partnering with farmers for fresh ingredients could be a valuable long-term strategy.

• Cybersecurity Training Services
  Given the NDMA’s focus on training public employees in cybersecurity, small businesses specializing in cybersecurity could offer private training services tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Many small companies are now embracing digital transformation, making cybersecurity essential for safeguarding data.

  • Note: Promoting a “light” version of training for small businesses with limited budgets would be wise. Leveraging partnerships with tech providers for affordable cybersecurity tools could enhance offerings.

• Mobile Nursing or Healthcare Support Services
  With a need for 600 nurses in Essequibo, a small business offering support services to this sector could thrive. Small enterprises could focus on complementary services like mobile health check-ups, healthcare equipment rental, or even specialized private training programs for nursing students.

  • Consideration: Services like mobile health check-ups might initially appeal more to rural communities or low-income regions where health facilities are spread out.

2. Medium Enterprises (ME)

• Electricity Installation and Maintenance
  In response to the grid expansion in Crabwood and Moleson Creeks, medium-sized companies could provide comprehensive installation services for household electrical setups and maintenance. They could bundle these with renewable solutions like backup solar installations.

  • Opportunity: Partnering with the government or regional councils to offer affordable installment-based services could help cover upfront costs for rural residents who may find costs prohibitive.

• Certified Agro-Processing Production
  Luke’s Manufacturing’s success with GNBS certification demonstrates market potential for certified, locally-sourced agro-products. Medium enterprises can scale cassava, plantain, or other locally-grown produce processing. They can focus on organic or health-conscious product lines for added appeal.

  • Thoughts: Developing a focused product line around one or two primary ingredients could simplify the supply chain. Establishing partnerships with retail and tourism channels for increased visibility will be critical.

• Healthcare Simulation Equipment Manufacturing or Distribution
  Given the government’s investment in healthcare and nursing schools, there’s an opportunity for a medium-sized enterprise to provide training equipment like simulation mannequins, medical models, and digital simulation software. This equipment could cater to growing regional nursing schools and even other countries in CARICOM.

  • Consideration: Focusing on durable, region-specific equipment that considers environmental factors could distinguish products. Partnerships with educational institutions might provide steady demand.

• Certified Cybersecurity Compliance and Consulting
  With the growing importance of cybersecurity, medium enterprises can offer comprehensive cybersecurity compliance and consulting services. This is an attractive market given the government’s commitment to secure digital services. Training and certification for public sector employees and local businesses can help fulfill new cybersecurity standards and protocols.

  • Strategy: Aligning with NDMA’s efforts and offering value-added services like system audits or penetration testing would create a competitive edge.

3. Large Enterprises (LE)

• Healthcare Infrastructure and Staff Augmentation Services
  With significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel, large companies have a unique opportunity to offer turnkey healthcare solutions, including infrastructure development, staffing, and equipment procurement. Large enterprises can also provide digital training platforms to support the hybrid nursing program, where theory is taught online, and practicals are on-site.

  • Note: Leveraging government contracts and partnering with international medical equipment suppliers could streamline costs. Offering specialized financing options could appeal to the government and large healthcare networks.

• Regional Agro-Processing Export Hub
  Inspired by Luke’s Manufacturing’s success, large enterprises could create a central agro-processing and export hub to facilitate the production and export of cassava-based and other locally grown food products. The export hub could attract local producers, offering them support in packaging, quality assurance, and export logistics.

  • Consideration: By collaborating with organizations like GNBS, the hub could position itself as a leader in certified, high-quality Caribbean products, giving it a competitive advantage in international markets.

• Advanced Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Training Solutions
  The NDMA’s focus on cybersecurity training indicates potential for a large enterprise to offer full-scale cybersecurity infrastructure and training solutions for government and private sectors across Guyana. This could involve creating managed cybersecurity solutions that include data protection, threat analysis, and cloud security.

  • Opportunity: Positioning as a regional cybersecurity provider for CARICOM nations could enhance market share and brand recognition. Integrating cloud-based tools with localized training for business continuity could cater to both public and private sectors.

• Renewable Energy Projects for Rural Electrification
  With ongoing efforts to connect rural areas to the national grid, large enterprises could develop renewable energy projects to supplement the grid and ensure more sustainable energy solutions in these areas. This could involve public-private partnerships with the government to implement solar and wind energy solutions.

  • Opportunity: Large-scale renewable energy projects, perhaps partially funded by green energy grants or government incentives, would align with sustainability goals and potentially attract international investors.

• Educational Technology (EdTech) for CXC’s AI-Driven Literacy/Numeracy System
  CXC’s focus on AI-powered literacy and numeracy solutions indicates demand for EdTech tools tailored for Caribbean students. A large enterprise could partner with CXC to develop, implement, and maintain these tools, ensuring seamless integration across Caribbean schools.

  • Insight: Leveraging AI models tailored to Caribbean contexts and cultural sensitivities would make solutions more effective and marketable. Partnering with local governments to promote equitable access in schools would enhance public support and adoption rates.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Certified Local Snack Pack Business

• Opportunity: With a rising interest in agro-processing and certified local products like cassava bread, plantain porridge, and cassareep, there’s a demand for high-quality, convenient, local snack packs. These can be marketed as “authentic Guyanese snack packs,” appealing to both locals and tourists. They could include a variety of locally produced, high-quality snacks—cassava chips, plantain chips, tamarind balls, and small bottles of cassareep or honey.

• How It Works: This side hustle could start from a home kitchen with modest packaging and branding investments. Sellers could partner with small local producers for fresh ingredients, assemble packs, and sell them at local shops, tourist locations, or online.

• Why It’s Valuable: With the “Made in Guyana” trend gaining traction, certified, branded local snacks hold both novelty and cultural appeal. Additionally, as more visitors arrive due to the growing economy, local snack packs become ideal souvenirs or convenience items.

2. Cybersecurity Awareness & Digital Literacy Workshops

• Opportunity: As more businesses and public institutions move online, there’s a critical need for digital literacy and basic cybersecurity knowledge. For people with some IT background, offering short cybersecurity and digital literacy workshops can be a valuable and profitable side hustle.

• How It Works: This could involve setting up weekend or evening classes in digital literacy (secure internet usage, protecting personal data, etc.) for local businesses or individuals, using simple materials that don’t require advanced IT resources. The demand for cybersecurity training in government sectors presents opportunities for consultancy, even on a small scale.

• Why It’s Valuable: The government’s drive toward digitization and the NDMA’s recent cybersecurity training emphasize the importance of digital safety, which means many small businesses and individuals may need foundational knowledge. Offering workshops or creating online modules could fulfill this gap, providing essential skills while promoting safer digital practices.

3. Home-Based Renewable Energy Installation Consulting

• Opportunity: With new energy connections in rural areas, particularly in places like Crabwood Creek and Moleson Creek, people are seeking affordable ways to integrate electricity and save on power costs. For individuals interested in sustainable energy, offering personalized consulting on energy efficiency and renewable energy for small households is a growing niche.

• How It Works: This side hustle could involve helping locals determine their energy needs and recommending affordable, sustainable solutions like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and lighting. A simple “energy audit” could be provided in person or online for a fee, advising on energy consumption reduction and installation tips for small renewable setups.

• Why It’s Valuable: With the government’s expansion of the national grid, there’s growing awareness of energy use and a need for smart energy solutions. For an individual with knowledge in basic energy solutions or sustainable practices, this side hustle can serve a real need, saving residents on costs while promoting sustainable energy solutions.