Gov’t Injects US$100M into Forex Market to Ease Currency Access Delays

The Guyanese government has injected US$100 million into the financial system to ease recent delays in foreign currency access. During a high-level meeting with commercial bank CEOs, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh explained that while the market remains well-supplied, timing mismatches were causing settlement delays. The funds will be distributed across banks to expedite pending forex requests. This comes amid a sharp increase in import demands and rising card transactions, which grew by 317% since 2019.

President Ali Unveils Wealth-Building Scheme with Citizen Investment in National Projects

President Irfaan Ali announced a sweeping wealth-creation strategy allowing ordinary Guyanese to invest in state-backed projects such as a national gas company and a fertilizer plant. The plan aims to formalize informal workers, provide better retirement benefits, and give citizens a chance to earn returns through equity participation. Financial literacy training will accompany the initiative, which aligns with upcoming increases in cash grants and broader economic inclusion efforts.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Road Safety Tech & Compliance Services

Opportunity: Offer services to vehicle owners and businesses to manage their compliance with the new E-Ticketing system (e.g., mobile compliance checks, GPS integration, driver training).

Why Now: The launch of Guyana's SRIS system has already issued $2M in tickets in 12 hours. Many individuals and small fleets will now be concerned about compliance.

Potential Services:

• Speed and mobile usage monitoring tools

• SRIS ticket management app/plugin

• Training workshops for taxi/logistics drivers

Note: Focus on simple, affordable tech add-ons or SMS services for vehicles that lack digital systems.

2. Diaspora Investment Advisory & Facilitation Services

Opportunity: Provide consultancy and support services for diaspora investors interested in Silica City, national co-investment projects, or small-scale agriculture and housing.

Why Now: Silica City Phase II is opening in weeks to diaspora investment. Government rhetoric and infrastructure support show strong alignment with diaspora funding.

What to Offer:

• Land sourcing, due diligence, legal paperwork

• Local construction coordination or management

• Fractional ownership platforms or syndicates

Note: This can start small but scale quickly through partnerships with lawyers, engineers, or GOINVEST.

3. Fisher Support & Diversification Supplies

Opportunity: Supply inputs or support services for alternative livelihoods being promoted to fisherfolk (e.g., shrimp pond inputs, small agri tools, backyard garden kits).

Why Now: The Ministry of Agriculture is actively supporting shrimp farming and backyard crops due to reduced marine catch levels.

What to Sell/Offer:

• Shrimp feed, pond liners, aeration pumps

• Small farm kits (fertilizer, seeds, tools)

• Training or setup services

Note: Partner with Ministry of Agriculture or cooperatives to distribute at scale.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Energy Infrastructure Subcontracting

Opportunity: Support subcontracting work on the US$422M Gas-to-Energy (GtE) infrastructure development (substations, transmission lines, SCADA systems).

Why Now: Massive investment in energy distribution and control centres, with foreign primes like Power China and Kalpatary already contracted.

What to Offer:

• Civil works, trenching, or local labor supply

• Electrical panel fabrication or maintenance services

• SCADA-compatible monitoring systems or software interfaces

Note: Start by becoming a certified subcontractor or vendor to Power China, GPL, or Kalpatary.

2. Logistics & Foreign Exchange Advisory Services

Opportunity: Offer consolidated freight services, forex payment assistance, and customs clearance consultancy for SMEs struggling with access to USD and trade delays.

Why Now: US$100M injected to alleviate foreign exchange bottlenecks; surge in import volumes, +317% in credit card usage, and ongoing trade delays signal demand.

What to Offer:

• FX timing strategy for businesses

• Cross-border procurement planning

• FX + Logistics bundle services for importers

Note: Collaborate with banks or fintech startups to offer bundled payment and clearance services.

3. Community-Centered Development Firms

Opportunity: Win contracts or PPP deals for local development as NDCs and Town Councils receive substantial budget increases ($30M–$50M per year).

Why Now: Councils are now flush with funds and expected to outsource works—drainage, roads, sanitation, landscaping, etc.

How to Play:

• Bid on tenders for construction and public works

• Propose community-centered upgrades (e.g., smart solar street lights, community composting)

• Offer grant-writing or budget-planning assistance to LAAs

Note: Must remain politically neutral and focus on transparency to build credibility.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Private Investment in Gas, Fertilizer, and Agro-Processing Projects

Opportunity: Co-develop large-scale national projects such as the fertilizer plant and national gas company with equity models that include citizen participation.

Why Now: President Ali explicitly invited citizens and diaspora to co-invest in state-supported energy and agro-industrial initiatives.

What to Do:

• Lead or anchor joint-venture development

• Offer technical or operational partnership with the state

• Structure bonds or securities for citizen investors (retail instruments)

Note: Position as ESG-friendly and include education or pension fund components.

2. Silica City Real Estate & Smart Infrastructure Development

Opportunity: Become a lead investor or master developer in Silica City Phase II targeting diaspora housing, wellness centers, and smart tech-enabled living.

Why Now: Diaspora phase opens in weeks; high-level backing, long-term government commitment, and tech-forward urban planning in place.

What to Offer:

• Premium housing estates

• Green energy grid and waste systems

• Commercial property (retail, clinics, gyms, etc.)

Note: This is a flagship opportunity that could yield long-term brand prestige.

3. Formalizing the Informal Economy – Platforms & Financial Tools

Opportunity: Build platforms that offer gig workers, freelancers, and SMEs access to payment systems, social protections, and legal employment status.

Why Now: With 48-53% of Guyana’s workforce informal, the PM has called for formalization solutions—including digital banking, cooperative models, and regulation.

Potential Models:

• Freelance platform with legal ID/payroll functionality

• Embedded insurance and tax deduction tools

• Cooperative ride-share or delivery networks

Note: There’s opportunity here for fintechs, banks, and social entrepreneurs to work together.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. SRIS Compliance Assistant & Ticket Tracker Service

What It Is: A mobile-based or WhatsApp-operated service that helps drivers monitor their speeding tickets, check for violations, and stay compliant with the new e-ticketing system.

Why It Works:

• In just 12 hours, over 200 traffic violations were recorded.

• Many drivers are unsure how to navigate the new online system.

• There’s growing fear around fines and penalties.

How It Could Work:

• Set up a simple subscription or pay-per-check service via WhatsApp or SMS.

• Offer weekly ticket checks using the public GPF portal.

• Bundle with basic reminders (e.g., insurance expiry, license renewal).

• Partner with small fleet owners (taxis, buses) for recurring business.

Start-Up Needs:
A smartphone, data access, and a system for tracking and messaging (could be manual or built on tools like Typeform + Zapier or Notion).

Income Potential:
$500–$2,000 GYD per month per client. Easily scalable through word of mouth.

2. Diaspora Property Scout & Setup Consultant

What It Is: Help diaspora investors scout, secure, and set up properties in Guyana—especially in areas like Belle West or soon-to-launch Silica City Phase II.

Why It Works:

• Huge focus on diaspora investment and co-ownership in real estate and national projects.

• Diaspora needs trusted people on the ground.

• Most Guyanese abroad don’t know how to get started or whom to trust.

How It Could Work:

• Offer simple, affordable packages to check on land plots, provide videos/photos, and assist with paperwork or liaison with GOINVEST.

• Charge per inspection, per call, or a monthly retainer.

• Eventually expand into partner networks with lawyers, builders, or notaries.

Start-Up Needs:
A vehicle or bike, smartphone, and knowledge of basic real estate processes.

Income Potential:
$15,000–$50,000 GYD per assignment depending on complexity. Can scale quickly with referrals.

3. Coastal Shrimp Pond Setup Consultant (Micro Aquaculture)

What It Is: Help fisherfolk and small farmers set up Brackish Water Shrimp ponds as a supplemental income source, based on the government’s diversification strategy.

Why It Works:

• The government is pushing shrimp production in Berbice from 10,000kg to 100,000kg monthly.

• Many fishers don’t know how to start or what’s required.

• Agriculture Ministry is supplying inputs and wants small groups formed.

How It Could Work:

• Learn the setup basics and offer “done-for-you” services to help people start ponds.

• Offer support with land sourcing, pond design, equipment, and Ministry paperwork.

• Charge flat fees per setup or consultation.

Start-Up Needs:
A basic understanding of shrimp farming (you can learn via FAO resources or Ministry partnerships), local contacts, and willingness to get hands-on.

Income Potential:
$40,000–$80,000 GYD per setup plus potential revenue share in production if relationships are built well.