Migrant Workers Filling Labour Gaps as Guyana Expands

With Guyana’s economy booming, the country is experiencing an increased demand for skilled labour in construction, hospitality, healthcare, and mining. Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton confirmed that the government is drafting a formal migrant labour policy to regulate the influx of foreign workers. The move aligns with ongoing CARICOM discussions on a regional framework for managing skilled labour movement. Hamilton assured that while foreign workers are needed, local job training initiatives remain a priority to ensure Guyanese workers remain competitive in the evolving economy.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Threatens Guyana’s Economy and Tourism

Illegal wildlife trade is emerging as a major economic threat in Guyana, ranking as the country’s fourth-largest illicit trade. Experts warn that this black market sidesteps taxes, licensing fees, and job opportunities in the legal trade, draining millions from the economy. Additionally, stakeholders caution that poaching rare animals could weaken Guyana’s tourism appeal, as many resorts market themselves as nature experiences. Calls are growing for stricter wildlife trade laws and stronger enforcement to protect the country’s biodiversity and economic interests.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE) Opportunities

1. Eco-Tourism Experiences Focused on Wildlife & Conservation

• Opportunity: With increasing concerns about illegal wildlife trade and its potential harm to Guyana’s tourism sector, there is an opportunity for small businesses to offer eco-conscious tourism experiences that highlight Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

• Execution: Develop small-scale guided tours, birdwatching experiences, and nature retreats with a conservation-focused approach. Partner with conservation NGOs and tourism boards to promote ethical tourism.

• Competitive Edge: Offering exclusive, high-end nature experiences for tourists who are willing to pay a premium for responsible travel.

2. Skilled Labour Training and Placement for Migrant Workers

• Opportunity: With the government formalizing a migrant labour policy, businesses that provide language training, trade skills development, and job placement for migrant workers will be in high demand.

• Execution: Develop a short-term vocational training school focusing on construction, hospitality, and industrial skills, especially for migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti. Partner with employers seeking trained workers.

• Competitive Edge: Providing government-certified programs that align with national policies could secure funding and ensure a consistent flow of trainees.

3. Solar Energy Installation and Maintenance Services

• Opportunity: With Guyana set to receive a $30M World Bank investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, the demand for solar panel installation and maintenance will increase.

• Execution: Establish a small, mobile solar installation business targeting homes, small businesses, and community centers that may not be included in the large-scale government projects. Offer maintenance contracts to ensure longevity.

• Competitive Edge: Being first-to-market with a structured maintenance service will ensure recurring revenue beyond just installation.

Medium Enterprises (ME) Opportunities

1. Green Construction & Sustainable Building Materials

• Opportunity: The Caribbean Efficient and Green Energy Buildings Project will retrofit over 500 public buildings with energy-efficient solutions, requiring specialized contractors, green building materials, and installation expertise.

• Execution: Start or expand a construction company specializing in energy-efficient building upgrades, offering solar installations, LED retrofitting, insulated roofing, and eco-friendly construction materials.

• Competitive Edge: Positioning as a certified green builder will give an edge when bidding for public and private contracts in the growing sustainable infrastructure sector.

2. Digital Banking Solutions & AI-Driven Financial Services

• Opportunity: With GBTI recording a record $4B profit, largely due to digital banking, there is clear growth potential in fintech, payment solutions, and AI-driven banking tools.

• Execution: Develop white-label financial software for local banks or launch a fintech startup offering AI-powered personal finance management, SME banking tools, or fraud detection services.

• Competitive Edge: Focus on integration with existing local financial institutions and mobile money providers (e.g., MMG) to reduce cash reliance in business transactions.

3. Security & Risk Management for Energy and Maritime Sectors

• Opportunity: The Venezuelan naval incursion into Guyana’s EEZ raises concerns about maritime security and offshore oilfield protection, creating a demand for private security consulting, risk assessments, and surveillance solutions.

• Execution: Start a security consulting firm specializing in maritime and corporate security. Offer training programs for offshore workers, surveillance equipment for oil rigs, and crisis management planning for businesses operating in high-risk areas.

• Competitive Edge: Partnering with multinational corporations in oil & gas for specialized security solutions will create long-term contracts and recurring revenue streams.

Large Enterprises (LE) Opportunities

1. Large-Scale Renewable Energy Development

• Opportunity: With the World Bank financing new green energy initiatives, there is an open market for large private investment in solar farms, wind energy, and hydroelectric projects.

• Execution: Form joint ventures with international renewable energy companies to develop large-scale projects integrated into Guyana’s national grid. Secure government contracts under public-private partnerships (PPP).

• Competitive Edge: Access to international financing and expertise will provide a competitive advantage in scaling projects faster than local competitors.

2. High-End Real Estate & Infrastructure for Migrant Workforce

• Opportunity: As Guyana brings in skilled foreign workers, there is an urgent need for housing, commercial rental space, and modern infrastructure for both workers and businesses.

• Execution: Invest in high-density, modular housing projects near industrial hubs, mines, and commercial zones to cater to expanding corporate operations and skilled foreign workers.

• Competitive Edge: Building turnkey housing solutions with co-living spaces, shared office hubs, and fully serviced accommodations will attract corporate leases and multinational companies setting up local operations.

3. Maritime Logistics & Offshore Support Services

• Opportunity: Given Guyana’s rising tensions with Venezuela and the critical importance of offshore oil infrastructure, there is a strong demand for logistics, marine security, and offshore support services.

• Execution: Establish a logistics and offshore services firm to provide supply chain management, marine surveillance, deep-sea repair services, and emergency response solutions for oil platforms.

• Competitive Edge: Partnering with ExxonMobil, Hess, and other oil players will create multi-year service contracts that ensure recurring revenue and strategic market positioning.

Final Thoughts & Strategy

• For Small Enterprises: Focus on service-based industries with low startup costs but high market demand—eco-tourism, skilled workforce training, and solar energy solutions are ideal for quick entry.

• For Medium Enterprises: Tech, construction, and security sectors show the highest growth potential. Companies that integrate innovation and sustainability will be best positioned to secure government contracts and private partnerships.

• For Large Enterprises: Infrastructure, renewable energy, and oil-sector services are the most lucrative areas. Partnering with international investors and leveraging government-backed projects will provide long-term financial security.

With Guyana’s economy expanding rapidly, businesses that act now will secure the best market share in these high-growth industries.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Wildlife & Eco-Tourism Experiences
   With growing concerns about illegal wildlife trade and its impact on tourism, there’s a prime opportunity to launch small-scale eco-tourism experiences. This could include guided nature walks, wildlife photography tours, or curated bird-watching experiences targeting both local and international tourists. A side hustle in this space requires minimal investment—just access to a biodiverse area, partnerships with eco-lodges, and an engaging online presence to market unique experiences.

2. Energy-Efficient Home & Business Solutions
   With the World Bank’s new green energy investments, there’s a rising demand for energy efficiency. A side hustle focused on consulting and selling small-scale renewable energy solutions—such as home solar kits, energy-efficient appliances, or LED retrofitting—could be lucrative. Businesses and homeowners looking to cut costs on electricity would be prime customers. A well-structured service could include product reselling, installation, or energy audits for homes and offices.

3. Digital Banking & Financial Literacy Coaching
   As banks like GBTI accelerate digital services and the economy continues growing, many Guyanese—especially small business owners and workers—need guidance on using digital banking, online payments, and financial planning. A side hustle offering workshops, one-on-one coaching, or even short-form educational content on social media (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) could generate income through client services, sponsorships, or affiliate partnerships with financial institutions.