Caribbean entrepreneurs and business leaders are exploring opportunities to attract investment from overseas nationals to support start-ups and expanding businesses across the region, with Guyana among the countries expected to benefit from the initiative.
The effort is centred on the Caribbean Diaspora Angel Investor Network (CDAIN), which seeks to connect Caribbean entrepreneurs with investors living abroad who are interested in supporting promising businesses in their countries of origin.
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The network builds on the work of the Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT), a US-based independent organisation that supports scientific and technological innovation in Guyana.
CDAIN was introduced as part of the Caribbean Diaspora Angel Investor Summit, a virtual event organised to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and representatives of regional investment communities. The initiative aims to create a structured platform through which diaspora investors can identify and finance businesses with growth potential.
The investment discussions cover several sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, technology and financial services, with Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago identified as countries offering opportunities for investment.
GEDT Chief Executive Officer Oslene Carrington said diaspora communities represented an important resource for regional development, arguing that investment from Caribbean nationals abroad could complement funding from international corporations and development finance institutions.
The initiative also seeks to move beyond traditional remittances by encouraging overseas nationals to participate directly in business development and wealth creation across the Caribbean.
The renewed focus on diaspora investment comes as regional governments explore additional financing opportunities for private-sector development. In Guyana, President Irfaan Ali has also announced plans for a special investment vehicle through which overseas Guyanese could participate in financing major national projects.
Through CDAIN, organisers hope to strengthen connections between Caribbean entrepreneurs and international investors while expanding access to capital for innovative businesses and emerging enterprises.
