Ten years and going stronger every time, the annual Lake Mainstay Regatta continues to live up to its standard as a lucrative event and tourism promoter for the people of Essequibo.
Hosted at the Lake Mainstay Resort, 11 miles north of Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, the regatta yesterday attracted a mass of Guyanese, both living here and from overseas, as well as a broad number of first-time visitors.
President Bharrat Jagdeo did not exempt himself from this year’s excitement which featured the main boat racing event and live musical entertainment from Caribbean Soca star Rikki Jai, Guyanese “Michael Jackson” and Sandela, among others.

The Head of State was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali, and Community Development Adviser Odinga Lumumba.
The presidential day was spent joining the exuberant spectators as competitors of the boat races went neck and neck at the semi-final and final rounds, male and female categories.
The first place winner of the races was given a hefty prize of $100,000, while the second place winner received $75,000.
As is customary, the President mingled with the masses, posing for photographs and holding light conversations with patrons, some of whom were visiting Guyana for the first time and others who are customarily present at the event since the inception.
A few of the patrons shared their perspectives with the Government Information Agency (GINA) about the annual event, expressing satisfaction with the way in which it was organized.
Linda, a visitor from the United States of America, attended for the first time, and described the day as fun, making specific reference to the races. She also commended the warm hospitality of local residents and the delicious cuisine.
Given the opportunity next year, Linda said she will definitely return.
Junior Gordon, who hails from Leguan, is also a first-time visitor to the Regatta and was amazed at the powerboat races and impressed with the general atmosphere.
Lavern Wilson, another first-time visitor, also said that the races were the highlight of the event. Wilson, who hails from the Essequibo Coast, believes that the aesthetics of the area will do good for tourism.

Devi, a New York-based Guyanese, has been a regular visitor to the event and told GINA that she makes it an obligation to visit the Lake Mainstay Regatta on every occasion that she returns to Guyana.
“I love the gathering, I love the people, and everything about the culture,” Devi said.
Over the ten years that the Mainstay Regatta has been in existence, it continues to grow in size and support.
The event is a collaborative effort between the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and the Lake Mainstay resort, and has attracted sponsorship from Giftland Office Max, Machine Corporation (MACORP), Lens Variety Store, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Ansa McAl and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The Lake Mainstay Regatta joins a list of entertainment events held during August with a two-fold objective of creating a new stream of economic activities, and promoting culture in Guyana.
The Guyana Government has made a commitment to such public activities as it seeks to foster a more viable entertainment industry in Guyana.
The idea emanated from discussions with President Jagdeo, entertainers, and promoters during a meeting in April last year, when a plan was proposed to identify periods in the year to promote entertainment activities when it is anticipated that many overseas-based Guyanese will visit their homeland. (GINA)