GuySuCo Management Shake-Up to Drive 2025 Targets 

After falling short of production goals in 2024, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is set for a management overhaul in 2025. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced planned managerial changes across estates to ensure the production target of 100,000 tonnes is met. The corporation struggled with an extended drought this year, but technical support from Indian and Cuban experts is expected to boost operations. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has warned that "heads will roll" if targets aren't achieved, signaling the government’s firm commitment to revitalizing GuySuCo.

Deeds and Commercial Registries Rake in $2.6B in Revenue

The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) reported a remarkable $2.6 billion in revenue from January to November 2024, marking a steady increase from $1.7 billion in 2022 and $2.5 billion in 2023. As the governing body for key legal and commercial processes, including land transfers, trademarks, and business registrations, the DCRA’s growth reflects Guyana’s booming economy and heightened business activity. December’s earnings are expected to push the year’s total even higher, showcasing the growing confidence in Guyana’s regulatory framework.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Gas Cylinder Maintenance and Safety Services

• Opportunity: Offer regular inspection, maintenance, and safety training for gas cylinders, hoses, and regulators in response to incidents involving defective gas cylinders.

• Potential Market: Residential users and small businesses relying on LPG for cooking and operations.

• Notes: Affordable service packages and a focus on customer education about safety could set this business apart. Consider partnering with LPG suppliers like Massy Gas Products to enhance credibility.

2. Local Transportation and Delivery Solutions

• Opportunity: Provide last-mile delivery services for small shipments and equipment, leveraging the expected improvements in road infrastructure in Region Nine and other areas.

• Potential Market: Small retailers, agro-processors, and residents in rural and remote areas.

• Notes: Focus on affordability and reliability, with potential for expansion into e-commerce delivery as digital adoption grows in the region.

3. Bee Management Services

• Opportunity: Develop services for the removal and safe relocation of Africanized bee hives in residential and agricultural areas.

• Potential Market: Farmers, households, and local governments in regions prone to bee attacks.

• Notes: Partner with agricultural associations to provide integrated pest management solutions and use the opportunity to educate communities on bee safety.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Logistics and Storage Solutions for Deep-Water Port Development

• Opportunity: Establish warehousing, cold storage, and transportation services for goods moving through the anticipated deep-water port.

• Potential Market: Import/export companies, shipping lines, and traders requiring logistics solutions.

• Notes: Focus on scalable operations to grow alongside the port’s development. Explore tech-driven inventory management for efficiency.

2. Training and Certification Programs for Prison Rehabilitation

• Opportunity: Provide vocational training and certification services tailored to prison inmates, aligned with the Government's push for vocational rehabilitation.

• Potential Market: Government contracts, NGOs, and private prison systems.

• Notes: Build partnerships with institutions like Lusignan and Timehri prisons to scale offerings, emphasizing certifications in high-demand fields like construction and agriculture.

3. Local Content in Energy Projects (e.g., Gas-to-Energy)

• Opportunity: Supply construction materials, support services, or skilled labor for ongoing and future projects like the Gas-to-Energy initiative.

• Potential Market: Contractors and developers involved in infrastructure projects.

• Notes: Focus on niche needs, such as piling materials, workforce housing, or catering services, to secure steady contracts.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Deep-Water Port Development and Operations

• Opportunity: Co-invest or develop a modern cargo-handling terminal as part of the proposed deep-water port project.

• Potential Market: Shipping lines, exporters, and logistics providers in Guyana and northern Brazil.

• Notes: Leverage public-private partnerships and explore integrating smart technology for port operations to attract global shipping lines.

2. Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Development

• Opportunity: Invest in renewable energy projects to complement the Gas-to-Energy initiative, including solar farms, wind farms, or small-scale hydroelectric plants.

• Potential Market: Energy distribution networks, commercial enterprises, and rural electrification programs.

• Notes: Position as a leader in clean energy to benefit from incentives and long-term contracts, aligning with Guyana’s growing energy needs.

3. Large-Scale Agricultural and Food Processing Ventures

• Opportunity: Develop large-scale agricultural processing facilities, such as dehydrated fruit production or tissue culture labs, leveraging the Government's focus on agricultural innovation.

• Potential Market: Domestic and export markets, with a focus on organic and value-added products.

• Notes: Partner with the Government to access funding and land, ensuring compliance with food safety laws and export standards.

Final Thoughts:

Each business opportunity aligns with Guyana's rapid growth in oil and gas, infrastructure development, and public sector reforms. Enterprises should consider leveraging local partnerships, securing government contracts, and integrating technology to remain competitive. For maximum impact, businesses should tailor solutions to the country's unique economic and geographic conditions while keeping scalability in mind.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Customized Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

• Opportunity: With the focus on food safety and gas safety (like Massy’s gas cylinder issues), there’s a growing market for small-scale eco-friendly packaging. Develop unique, biodegradable or reusable packaging for small food vendors, local shops, and home-based bakers.

• How: Start with custom-printed takeaway boxes or bags, sourcing eco-friendly materials locally. Offer affordable batch options to small vendors to help them align with eco-conscious trends.

• High Value: The side hustle caters to the expanding local food sector and taps into sustainability trends.

2. Mobile Car Wash & Detailing Services

• Opportunity: With road developments and increased vehicle ownership due to economic growth, a mobile car wash using water-saving technology and premium cleaning services can thrive.

• How: Invest in a basic mobile cleaning unit and advertise via WhatsApp groups or social media. Offer services to neighborhoods or office parking lots for busy professionals.

• High Value: Flexibility and mobility allow you to cater to both residential and corporate clients, maximizing time efficiency.

3. Drone Photography and Surveying Services

• Opportunity: Infrastructure growth (roads, deep-water ports) and real estate development create demand for aerial imagery and land surveying. Small drone operations can provide services to contractors, developers, and even marketing agencies.

• How: Start with an affordable drone and basic training. Market services for construction site monitoring, property listings, and promotional videos.

• High Value: Offers premium rates for specialized industries while requiring minimal start-up investment.

These ideas are scalable, require minimal initial capital compared to returns, and fit into the evolving opportunities in Guyana's economy. They also cater to individuals looking to supplement their income while maintaining full-time employment.