Colombian Cargo Airline Launches Guyana Operations

Aerosucre S.A., a Colombian cargo airline, will begin direct cargo services between Guyana, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico in early 2025. Operating out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport with Boeing 737 freighters, the airline will focus on moving perishables, industrial goods, and e-commerce shipments. This service enhances regional trade connectivity, cutting delivery times and opening new export-import opportunities. Air Cargo Pack (Guyana) Limited will represent the airline locally, providing tailored freight solutions to businesses.

Digicel CEO Pushes for Higher Retail Standards

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Kester Hutson is urging stricter enforcement of retail standards in supermarkets, calling for proper labeling, adherence to health regulations, and robust oversight of expired goods. Hutson emphasized the role of citizens in reporting breaches and called on regulators like the Food and Drug Department and Guyana Revenue Authority to ensure compliance. This initiative comes as Guyana’s rapid economic growth raises expectations for better quality services and consumer protection.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Opportunities for Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Specialty Fisheries Products for Export

   • Opportunity: Leverage the knowledge and tools from the fisheries data workshop to target niche export markets with high-quality, small-scale fisheries products (e.g., organic or eco-labeled fish, crustaceans, or seafood).

   • Notes: Small enterprises can partner with local fisheries departments to ensure compliance with international standards and gain access to digital tools like CALIPSEO for efficient tracking and reporting.

2. Eco-Tourism Ventures in the Iwokrama Forest

   • Opportunity: Develop guided eco-tours, accommodation, or souvenir products tied to the globally recognized Iwokrama Forest’s sustainable model showcased at COP29.

   • Notes: Highlight the forest’s indigenous conservation practices to attract eco-conscious travelers. Collaborating with local communities and indigenous groups can strengthen authenticity and access.

3. Retail Consultancy Services for Supermarkets

   • Opportunity: Start a consultancy business to help small supermarkets and shops comply with labeling, inventory management, and quality assurance standards highlighted by the GCCI.

   • Notes: Offer packages for inventory audits, staff training, and technology upgrades to improve customer confidence and ensure compliance with food and safety regulations.

Opportunities for Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Regional Air Freight Consolidation

   • Opportunity: Act as a logistics intermediary to consolidate cargo for Aerosucre S.A.’s new direct freight services to Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.

   • Notes: Focus on perishables, e-commerce, and small industrial goods. Develop value-added services like cold storage, customs clearance, and packaging.

2. Carbon Offset Projects

   • Opportunity: Invest in voluntary carbon credit projects using Guyana’s Forest Carbon Toolkit. This could include reforestation initiatives, mangrove conservation, or sustainable agroforestry.

   • Notes: Offer carbon credits to regional and international businesses looking to meet sustainability goals. Partner with local NGOs and government bodies for initial setup.

3. Sustainable Construction for Off-Grid Communities

   • Opportunity: Build modular, energy-efficient homes or small commercial facilities for communities like Samville, which recently gained access to electricity.

   • Notes: Incorporate solar panels or energy-efficient designs to attract environmentally conscious buyers and government incentives. Offer installment payment plans for affordability.

Opportunities for Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Healthcare and Medical Tourism Development

   • Opportunity: Partner with the government to develop high-quality medical facilities targeting health and wellness tourism, as outlined in the discussions between President Ali and PM Modi.

   • Notes: Focus on specialized care, such as cancer treatment (e.g., leveraging "Operation Brain Tumour") and lifestyle medicine (e.g., ayurveda and natural wellness from India). Collaborate with Indian healthcare providers to attract patients from the region.

2. Integrated Retail Chain Development

   • Opportunity: Establish a modern retail chain with robust labeling and quality assurance processes that meet international standards. Use this as a benchmark for setting industry standards in Guyana.

   • Notes: Incorporate technology-driven inventory and tracking systems. Partner with regulatory bodies to ensure smooth operations and leverage the rapid economic growth and increasing consumer expectations in Guyana.

3. Renewable Energy and Carbon Market Investments

   • Opportunity: Invest in large-scale renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or bioenergy plants, utilizing funds generated through the voluntary carbon credit market.

   • Notes: Use the Forest Carbon Toolkit to establish a presence in the carbon credit space. Explore public-private partnerships with the government to align with their sustainable development goals.

Final Thoughts

Guyana’s rapid development and international partnerships are opening doors across multiple sectors. Businesses must align with global trends like sustainability, regional trade, and digitization to thrive. Small and medium enterprises should focus on niche and underserved markets, while large enterprises can leverage strategic partnerships and government incentives to scale impactful projects. Strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration will be critical for success.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Carbon Credit Aggregation Broker

• What It Is: Serve as an intermediary for small landowners and community groups to aggregate forest carbon credits and sell them on the voluntary carbon market.

• Why It Works: With Guyana’s position as a leader in carbon credit markets, individuals can help small-scale landowners monetize their forested lands by combining their credits into marketable blocks.

• How to Start: Partner with the Guyana Forestry Commission and use the Forest Carbon Toolkit to understand the process. Offer a fee-based service or commission for brokering deals with buyers.

• Potential Income: Brokers could earn 5-10% on each deal, depending on the volume of credits and market value.

2. High-End Fish and Seafood Delivery

• What It Is: Provide a premium fish and seafood delivery service, sourcing fresh catches from small-scale fisheries and delivering directly to middle- and upper-income households or restaurants.

• Why It Works: The fisheries training workshop highlights a push for better fishery data and practices, aligning with a growing demand for fresh, traceable seafood in Guyana’s expanding economy.

• How to Start: Partner with local fishermen and use social media for marketing. Offer subscription-based deliveries or on-demand services targeting urban professionals in Georgetown.

• Potential Income: A small operation could generate GYD $100,000–200,000 per month with consistent customers and minimal overhead costs.

3. Custom Eco-Tourism Experiences

• What It Is: Create bespoke eco-tourism packages for small groups, highlighting Guyana’s unique natural assets like the Iwokrama Forest, Indigenous communities, and sustainable fishing practices.

• Why It Works: Guyana’s global recognition at COP29 and its pristine ecosystems create a perfect environment for small-scale, personalized eco-tourism ventures. Professionals with knowledge of the outdoors or hospitality could easily enter this market.

• How to Start: Collaborate with local guides and lodges, and curate unique experiences (e.g., night hikes, cultural storytelling sessions). Use platforms like Airbnb Experiences or WhatsApp groups for marketing.

• Potential Income: Eco-tours could bring in GYD $50,000–100,000 per weekend, with demand likely increasing as Guyana attracts more international visitors.

Key Considerations

• Leverage Digital Tools: Use social media platforms and digital payment options (like Mobile Money) to streamline operations and attract tech-savvy customers.

• Sustainability Focus: Guyana’s push for sustainability offers a significant edge to side hustles that align with green and ethical business practices.

• Scalability: These side hustles can start small and grow as demand increases, offering flexibility for individuals balancing full-time jobs.