With Tourism Ministry support…
TOURISM, Industry and Commerce Minister, Mr. Manniram Prashad on Wednesday assured Guyana Regatta Racers Club of his Ministry’s support for the Bartica Summer Regatta on Sunday. He gave the assurance when he met with the Club’s President, Mr. Sooknarine Persaud, at the Ministry, in South Road, Georgetown, stating that it would advance the development of Bartica, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), as a tourist destination.
“The Ministry supports both the Easter and Summer regattas, because we feel Bartica will develop as a beautiful tourist resort,” Prashad said.
He encouraged Bartica residents to establish ‘Bed and Breakfast’ accommodation and pointed out that training is being facilitated free of cost.
Prashad said similar arrangements exist at Wakenaam, in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) where ‘Wakenaam Nite’ will be staged at month end.
Noting that there are, already, many visitors in Bartica, he said his information is that most of the hotels there are fully booked.
Prashad said an interesting highlight at the Bartica event, this year, will be the ‘Jet Ski’ races.
However, he appealed for adherence to safety standards and Persaud said that has been addressed, with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) having a standby helicopter and its Coast Guard and Bartica Marine Police maintaining their presence.
Persaud said the programme will kick off today with cycling and track and field events, to be followed, tomorrow, by a ‘Street Jam’ and the grand finale, the regatta on Sunday.
He said at least 16 races are carded for Sunday, 12 involving power boats.
Persaud said the Summer regatta was taking place for several years before the racers formed the club in 2000, recognising the growing popularity of it.