THIS August, Digicel Guyana will sponsor the Lake Mainstay and Bartica Regatta events as part of its contribution to sports and tourism development in Guyana. During a brief press conference on Tuesday at the Digicel head office, Public Relations Manager Shonnet Moore disclosed that the regatta events are just two of many which Digicel Guyana is sponsoring with the aim of providing entertainment for families and to encourage overseas Guyanese to come home and enjoy themselves.
Representatives from the Guyana Regatta Races Club, based in Bartica, joined those from Lake Mainstay at the press conference to express their gratitude for Digicel’s significant sponsorship.
Holbert Knights, from the Guyana Regatta Races Club, revealed that this year’s Bartica Regatta will feature a significant difference from the way it has been staged for the past 13 years. The usual two-day programme will now become a one-week event.
“This year’s programme begins on July 21 with an exciting show featuring Benjai, Adesh Samaroo, and Denise Belfon. A comedy fiesta is scheduled for July 22. Very significantly, though, is the Digicel’s ‘street style football’, which is a first for Bartica and would happen from July 24 to 26. It promises to be exciting, as 15 teams consisting of only four players per team will be battling for the championship.
“Our road jams hit the streets on July 28, and on July 29 the regatta racing, with all the popular names, would take place. A grand finale performance on July 29 by the king of the dancehall, Beenie Man, is anticipated. This will be his first time performing in Bartica, and we promise nothing but excitement and great entertainment,” Knights outlined.
From Lake Mainstay, Wilfred Jagnarine said the one-day regatta, on August 12, will be packed with 18 exciting events. He noted that the much-anticipated Bartica versus Pomeroon regatta games will be the star event.
There will also be thrilling stage performances from popular artistes such as Terry Gajraj, Big Red, Fiona and the Caribbean Hot Shots band.
“We have established a strong bond with Digicel, and this year we have a 3-year agreement with the company for the Lake Mainstay regatta. This augurs well for the Guyanese public, especially the people in Essequibo, and also those tourists who come especially for this event,” Jagnarine said appreciatively.
Additionally, Moore stated that Digicel Guyana is also sponsoring the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) events in celebration of the club’s 100th anniversary. Club President Alfred Mentore elucidated that, during the anniversary, a number of activities would be held.
“We’re currently having cricket matches and also will be holding a ‘Black and White Dinner and Ball’ at the Tower Poolside on July 21. We’re thankful for Digicel’s partnership in making the events successful,” he explained.
Legendary Guyanese cricketer, Clive Lloyd, who developed his talent at DCC and continues to be a member there, said great cricketers such as Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, and Roger Harper, just to name a few, emanated from the DCC; and as such, this celebration is momentous for all.