OVER the years, there have been several initiatives aimed at developing and promoting domestic tourism. The Bartica Summer Regatta remains one such feature initiated that continues to grow rapidly, providing the perfect opportunity for thousands of tourists and locals to experience Guyana’s unique blend of culture. The family-oriented event celebrated its 13th year by stretching its normally two-day activities to a one-week period that ran from July 21 to yesterday.
Director, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh was yesterday on hand to formally open the much anticipated Regatta Racing which featured 22 power boat races at the Golden Beach Racing Circuit.
Haralsingh formally reiterated the Tourism Ministry and GTA’s support of the yearly event.
“The Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism Ministry are pleased to be a part of Bartica Regatta,” Haralsingh said.
“We know that this regatta holds a special significance for Barticians and serves to bring out the community and bring people to the community,” he added.
Congratulating the Guyana Regatta Racer Club and the Bartica committee for annually facilitating the event, Haralsingh also commended the coordinators’ initiative of diversifying the activities offered.
He also presented to the committee a $350,000 cheque as part of the Tourism Ministry and the GTA’s support to the event.
The Summer Regatta started on July 21 with an “Early Start Soca and Chutney” show at the Bartica stelling, featuring performances by international soca and chutney artistes Benjai, Denise Belfon and Adesh Samaroo.
This was followed on July 22 by the “Regatta Comedy Jam”, featuring Chow Pow, Jumbie Jones, Henry Rodney and other local Bartician talent. A “Regatta Street Style Football and Skills Competition” ran from July 24 to July 26, with five-a-side street football competition and skills competition at the Tarzie Square.
A Road Jam at the platinum and modern square was  held on July 28.
The Summer Regatta wrapped up last night with the highly anticipated ultimate “Summer Splash Concert at the Bartica community ground, featuring the King of the Dancehall, Beenie man.
The artiste who arrived earlier in the day by jet boat to the mining community, stopped off at the regatta racing and spent some time mingling and taking photos with fans.
Some winners of the day included in the Japart-sponsored 75HP-90HP three-lap race, Orin Belle racing in a boat named Iron Charlie; Dave Younge in 3:16; and Jose Jardine in Out and Bad. They would have emerged first, second and third respectively receiving gold medals and $55,000, $40,000 and $25,000 respectively.
In the MACORP 115HP-200HP race, Sean Belle, racing Quick Silver, emerged the winner, earning a gold medal and $90,000. Stephen Belle in Tatianna earned second place, receiving a medal and $65,000. A gold medal and $45,000 went to the third place winner, Selwyn Joseph who raced in D Girl Them Sugar.