…and a good time was had by all
The LAKE Mainstay 11th Annual Regatta was nothing short of spectacular as some 6,000 spectators lined the white sand beaches of the Essequibo Coast venue, on Sunday, to enjoy the fun-filled programme. It was a bright sunny day and the festivities included boat racing, canoeing, swimming and several other water sports in which families and friends indulged.
In the evening, there was an entertaining stage show, with performances by Guyana’s own Soca sensation, ‘Big Red’, National Chutney Queen Fiona Singh and a guest appearance by ‘Hit Man’ out of Trinidad.
Director of the Lake Mainstay Regatta, Mr. Wilfred Jagnarine, in a short address to the crowd, noted that the event has grown, since its inception, to attract an even larger audience.
“Thousands more are coming and I look forward, every year, to giving you this regatta and stage show,” he said.
Extending a hearty welcome, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo declared Lake Mainstay a “home away from home” and congratulated Jagnarine for his efforts at keeping the resort and the event alive.
He said the support of the people in Region Two is imperative, if the event is to grow. In addition, Samaroo applauded the courage of the racers gathered to participate in the boat race and recognised that they have worked hard and invested money for the occasion, which provides an opportunity for people of all races and religions to interact and socialise in a very clean environment.
“This is the way we like Guyanese to live. I want to thank Mr. Jagnarine for the initiative, despite the constraints,” he said.
Minister of Education, Mr. Shaik Baksh, who made a surprise appearance, agreed that it is, indeed, a good thing for all Essequibo, as it will boost tourism in the county, since it continues to attract even bigger crowds over the years.
With the formal part of the programme over, the revving of motor boats filled the air, as racers from all across Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and Mazaruni prepared to compete for various prizes.
From the very beginning, powerboat specialists Dave Scott and the Bell Brothers from Bartica took the lead and dominated in their categories, while their equally competent counterpart, Neil Gonsalves retired, because of mechanical problems.
The highly anticipated pen category race, with a $90,000 first prize, ended in uproar as Scott, with his 200 horse power (hp) motor, secured a controversial win over Gonsalves, who was disqualified for turning inside of a buoy on a turn.
In the first power boat event, the 90 hp three-lap race, Orin Belle secured the first place, $60,000 and a trophy, compliments of Castrol Oil, while the 15 hp male boat race was won by Ovander Holder, who carted off a cash prize of $40,000 and a trophy, donated by Ramesh Ramlakhan and Sons Rice Mill.
Competing in yet another 90 hp four-lap race, Orin Belle, once again, took the chequered flag, winning $60,000 and a trophy from S&S Barakat General Store.
In the 15 hp female boat race, Candace Prashad was victorious and won $40,000 and a trophy, all compliments of Heineken Beer. Lennox Baharally came first in the other 15 hp race and got $40,000 and a trophy, sponsored by S. Jagmohan Construction Company.
The male open swimming title was copped by Jason King, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who took the $30,000 and trophy, compliments of Imitaz Barakat.
Throughout the day, the Regatta Chairman, ‘Jumbie Jones’ spiced up the atmosphere with hilarious jokes that kept the patrons entertained with laughter, even as the night gave way to the driving rhythms of the performers and the stage show.
When it was all over, all the aquatic events and the stage performances, the crowd left the beach for home, weary, but still tingling with the excitement of a splendid day on the beach.