FORMER Regional Chairman Holbert Knights and his successor Gordon Bradford have weighed in on the recent regatta accident which claimed the life of 42-year-old speedboat champion Orin Keith Belle last month.

Knights pointed out that while the recent tragedy would affect future regattas in several ways, it would force operators and persons involved in regatta activities to be more conscious of river safety.
He said that the recent death of the popular champion would force a level of consciousness with regard to safety and preparedness.
“This accident will definitely affect future regattas in some way as it would force the operators to be more conscious and aware of what is critically important in events and activities like these,” Knights said.
He expressed confidence in the level of safety measures and systems that are usually put in place for the staging of the Bartica Regatta, noting that while they have been fortunate to not have any major disaster this will further serve to improve and enhance whatever measures they already have in place.
“We at the Bartica Regatta Committee (BRC) will continue to explore ways and avenues in further ensuing that operators and all involved are safe during the staging of regatta and this would only serve to keep us more alert,” he noted.
The former Regional Chairman who has also served as Chairman of the BRC pointed out that speed boat racing involves some amount of risk as it is a relatively dangerous sport adding that come next year both the public and those involved in the races would recognise the need for the highest level of safety to be implemented so as to protect lives and limbs.
“Belle’s death should serve as an eye-opener to all that safety should continue to be of paramount importance and what many may have taken for granted over the years they can now recognise what can happen to anyone even to a very experienced and gifted racer like Belle,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Bradford disclosed that Belle was a regular competitor at the regattas held in Bartica noting that he was an accomplished sportsman.
“This was an accomplished sportsman who competed religiously at every regatta over the past several years and his death has an impact on the community as he is sorely missed by all,” he said.
Bradford added, “The RDC would be doing something to honour him. I cannot say as yet what it would be but I am sure that we will do something significant to keep his memory alive.”
Bradford pointed out that Belle’s contribution to the community was far-reaching and wide noting that he was a member of the Brattice Lions Club.
He stated that while the death will have some impact on future regattas he is confident that the impact would not be disastrous. “It’s quite true that Belle’s death will have an impact on regatta but I am very confident that it will not have any disastrous effects thus preventing the sport from going on as the sport will continue,” he declared.
He spoke about the importance of continuing the sport so as to ensure that the memory of such a great racer lives on.
“People are really sad and hurting but I firmly believe that people will continue the sport so as to ensure that the sport and the love and passion that Belle had for it can continue,” he reiterated.
When quizzed on what possible activity or event the RDC would be involved in so as to recognise the contributions made by Belle, Bradford said they may consider naming a part of the Golden Beach or something in honour of him.
“He was a proud and well respected Bartican who made valuable contributions to the continued development of his community and for this it is important that we recognise his contributions in some way,” he concluded.