AFTER the resounding success of Bartica Regatta 2019, Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall said that there is need for expansion.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Marshall said that the town has seen a significant increase in visitors during the Regatta season.

“There are reports from some sections of the business community of increased sales. Our hotels, of course, were fully booked very early and patrons turned out in their numbers at the activities. It’s the first time we actually had four mega concerts. Beginning Friday night, we had the Grand Gospel event, Saturday night we had the Demarco show, and Sunday the show at the beach. Then we concluded with a show on Monday night,” Marshall said.

Patrons and residents of the town had a very entertaining weekend, he said “and we’re very grateful, first of all for the Government of Guyana and secondly, the entire business community who contributed to making this event a success.”

Marshall said “one of the things we would have observed this year is that the patrons are outgrowing the facility that we have, so there will be need for us to have further extension to the Regatta venue and we will go after this expansion and ensure when patrons come to Regatta next year, we have more space and we have a much more improved venue.”

He said that last year the town council had completed a section of what is referred to as The Golden Beach Development Project.
“This year we added again to it, but next year we will see a significant section of that project being extended. As you’re aware, tourism is close to our hearts and we are working feverishly to ensure that we move up the ladder in terms of our tourism ranking,” Marshall said.

On the note of boosting tourism, he said that over the years the Council had implemented a number of solid waste management programmes.

“Those programmes are intended to keep the township clean. You are also aware that we are steadily advancing and going after the “green” agenda. This too is a programme that we believe can attract persons to the town because Bartica is expected to be the model where these ideas and initiatives are concerned. So we are moving from strength to strength and this weekend we saw the fruits of our labour; and we really again want to thank all those who participated,” he further noted.

The mayor also said that the absence of His Excellency President David Granger was felt, since his presence has became customary.

“The absence of His Excellency of course is quite unfortunate, and over the last few years every Easter Sunday we would have witnessed His Excellency coming to Bartica and spend the day with us and this year that was not the case. On behalf of all Barticians, I want to extend best wishes to him and speedy recovery and we’re praying that at our next meet he will visit Bartica,” the mayor said.

However, though President Granger was absent, Minister of State Joseph Harmon represented him.

Harmon said the government of Guyana is pleased to be associated with the Bartica Regatta, which is fully supported in all respects including financially.

“We also continue to strive to provide an enabling environment for such activities as the Bartica Regatta to expand and grow. We continue to provide and improve the infrastructure, not only in Bartica, but all across Guyana…,” Harmon said.