THE great majority of Guyanese live along the nation’s coastal plain, especially along the eastern and western corridors of the Demerara coast, and particularly in Georgetown, the capital city; while another several thousand persons are scattered across the vast interior. Nevertheless, special occasions cause Guyanese to throng particular places in their beloved country, coming from all areas across Guyana for a convergence like no other.

And this was the situation that obtained last Sunday when the Bartica Regatta was staged in that tiny town situated on the left bank of the mighty Essequibo River, which is populated with just over 10,000 residents. Each year, a regatta like no other in the world brings Guyanese and tourists from all walks of life out to the pristine beach at Bartica to witness the spectacle of the regatta.
Located at the confluence of the Mazaruni and Essequibo rivers, getting to Bartica is itself an adventure. The milling crowd at the Parika Stelling was indicative of the day to come, as hundreds at any point in time boarded a variety of speedboats for the hour-long ride to the enchanting but lively town of Bartica. Even marine inspectors were out in full force to ensure that everything was all right on each vessel departing for Bartica.
The trip to Bartica was an hour of breathtaking scenery as spectacular islands, some larger than certain Caricom nations, loomed before us even as others faded in the background as the journey progressed. Getting to Bartica by any other mode would have meant missing this picturesque scenery of a flotilla of small passenger boats of seemingly every description bobbing along in a solid convoy en route to the Gateway to the Interior.
There were tents erected on the Bartica Beach; and from early in the day, the play park, beachfront and adjoining stands were overflowing with people of every age, ethnicity and description. Babies were creeping along the beach; one man with crutches hobbled to find the perfect spot from which to view the proceedings, while old ladies ensconced themselves on picnic blankets as they issued instructions to restless children.
For a good portion of the day, all eyes were transfixed on the waterway as the ‘aqua jets’ zipped by, sometimes inches above the water. “Aqua jet” is an apt description of the boats that participated in this year’s regatta; and with names like Flash; 3:16; Big Clyde; Lash Back; De Girls Dem Suga; Miracle, and Jaguar, the regatta boats were more like mini planes designed to glide over the uppermost surface of the might Essequibo.
Built specifically for racing, with no room for passengers, each boat aims to be aerodynamic with an elongated body set to pierce every resistance to its forward thrust, and each was complemented with water wings.
Moreover, they were colourful, and each owner proudly showed off what the mighty engines thundering at the rear of his boat could do.
Jet skis have also become a feature of the annual regatta festivity, and the brave riders took to the waterway, skimming past each other as they manoeuvred the track outlined with a number of buoys. Whilst competition was fierce in the races, camaraderie was the order of the day, and was on full display during the jet-ski races, as a few riders did take a plunge coming out of the dangerous turns, but other competitors who were close by immediately stopped and  turned back to retrieve their fellows from the water.
Amidst all this action, music blared incessantly, as a number of DJs took turns to entertain the thousands of adoring fans and those who showed less interest in the marine activities.
There was also a great many other things to do. Bar-B-Q, a staple of any Guyanese event, was in abundant supply, the smell of chicken on the grill permeating the venue, dotted with a whiff of fried fish and chips prepared fresh on site.
Drinks of a higher quality were also in abundance, and the security forces deserve a standing ovation for ensuring that the day’s activity occurred without a hitch.
Coast Guard personnel were out in their numbers, and ever so often ensured that their presence was felt; while ranks of the Guyana Police Force also made it clear they would brook no skullduggery on the part of the unscrupulous.
By mid-afternoon, the races had to be called off because of the rough waters swelling the Essequibo River, but almost everybody had by then been treated to a display of the grace and magnificence of the powerful aqua-jets.
Jamaican reggae sensation Jah Cure mingling with patrons certainly made up for whatever disappointment was occasioned by the turn of events. The ‘Unconditional Love’ singer had serenaded Barticians the night before; and for the regatta, it was just about soaking up the fun in the sun. Displaying true Guyanese hospitality, ‘Cure’, as he was greeted by many, took some photos with a few ladies, brightening their enthusiastic smiles, and even a few men jostled to pose with Jah Cure on the Bartica Beach.
Motor racing ace Andrew King was also on hand, and he took to the water for some recreation. Having dominated the track at the South Dakota Circuit for several years, it was time for the racing legend to sit back and appreciate the skills of drivers in another genre of racing.
Opposition Leader Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger was also present at the event, as were Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and none other than Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, who mingled with the participants, spectators, and those who simply wanted a chance to relax and unwind in a festive atmosphere. The President remarked on just how much the event has grown over the years.