The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the Hurakabra River Resort is set to host the Guyana leg of the Nerierd Yacht Rally 2014.

At a press briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of Tourism located at South Road Georgetown, former president of THAG, Mr. Kit Nascimento pointed out that this year the success of the first initiative is marked with the expected participation of 10 yachts inclusive of a spectacular 72-foot yacht named the Whistler. The yachts will come from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana then move to Suriname and French Guyana.
The first yacht was expected to arrive yesterday while the last will tentatively arrive on September 10.The yachts will go through customs and immigration upon arrival and docking at Bartica, and will then proceed to the Hurakabra River Resort located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River.
Nascimento highlighted that the intention of the rally is to “recognise Guyana as a yachting destination” and promote Guyana as a full yachting destination in about three years’ time.
He reiterated that last year’s rally saw five yachts and in just a year, the number of boats coming here has doubled.

He added that the aim is to use this event to catapult the yacht industry in Guyana and to harness the influx of yachts to develop the necessary infrastructure to further support the industry.
Nascimento noted that Guyana is perfect for yachting on account of the fact that it’s geographic location is away from the hurricane weather.
In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment together with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has promised funds from the “Clean-up my country” programme and the mobilisation of equipment to clean up the entire waterfront of Bartica in anticipation of the Yacht Rally to be hosted there next week.
He posited that this was a major concern and was discussed with the Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud who has given his full support for the initiative.
Nascimento outlined that the organiser of this event is Mr. Davide Matelicani and partners for the rally include the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Tourism, THAG and GTA.
Co- owner of the Hurakabra Resort Mrs. Gem Nascimento highlighted a host of exciting activities planned for the rally. A welcome reception, co-hosted with the (GTA) at the resort will begin the activities. Mrs. Nascimento emphasised that the main event will be a first time “beach party” that promises “fun in the sun”, and the opportunity of a lifetime to board the yachts. Being part of the events requires patrons to purchase tickets and dress comfortably.
The all-inclusive $15,000 ticket provides the holder with transportation from Georgetown to the resort and back, lunch and a local drink. The less expensive “river jam” $12,000 ticket provides Georgetown to Hurakabra and return transportation.
Those who are arranging their own transportation, like large groups hiring river taxis and boats from Bartica or Parika to the resort, the general admission of $7,000 per ticket would be best suitable for them.
She also promised other happenings to look forward for at the event including novelty games, karaoke, and tours of the resort, darts, table tennis, swimming and a volley ball competition. Participants can look forward to exciting prizes and certificates. She assured that a well-stocked open bar will be provided at the venue as visitors will not be allowed to take their own alcohol to the event.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Guyana Tourism Authority- Exhibition Centre, Sophia, the Ministry of Tourism – South Road, The Ministry of Housing- Brickdam, Old Fort Tours – Parika, S. Persaud, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region 7 Office – Bartica, Oasis Café and National Cultural Centre – Georgetown.

(By Savitri Laikram)