Neil Gonsalves (225-Unlimited), Clint Gonsalves & Sanjay Ramkissoon (75-90Hp), and Steve Ramcharran (40Hp) are group champions

FOLLOWING high octane excitement, the waves finally kept calm after a successful and eventful day of powerboat racing last Sunday afternoon when the Bartica Business Development Committee (BBDC)-organised Summer Splash Regatta was held at the famous Golden Beach Circuit.

Despite a few mishaps during the course of the event, none of which was serious, the competitors and fans were all thrilled to be part of the event that made a welcome return to the sporting calendar of the Town and from all indications, it will be even bigger and better come 2023.

The most anticipated contest of the day, the 225-Unlimited (F1) showdown, while not having all the races was still a show of real grit, speed of course, and dexterity by the daredevils in the form of Neil Gonsalves piloting ‘Czyzie Boy’, Dave Scott aboard the famous ‘Jaguar’, Randy Belle (Quantum), Angel La Court, and Sean Belle (Quicksilver).

Emerging as the Champion in this category was Pomeroon’s own Neil Gonsalves, who managed first and second places to Dave Scott’s first and third spots, pipping Scott by a single point to the top accolade.

The opening race in this category, the first event of the day, was witnessed by Hon. Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, his wife, and his daughters. It set the tone for what turned out to be an exhilarating day of rivalry as the competitors finally got the chance to face off to prove who were the quickest and best in each category.

However, unfortunately for Sean Belle, it also saw the end of his campaign as his boat was damaged in an accident. It also ended Randy Belle’s quest for supremacy in this category as he developed mechanical challenges during the event and ended second to Gonsalves. Scott had to settle for third.

There was a tie for the Champion honours in the 75-90Hp category which attracted 13 competitors. Clint Gonsalves (Venom) and Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj) shared the title and reward, while the Champion in the 40Hp showdown was Steve Ramcharran who piloted another of the Team Shivraj’s boats.

In other races, Lamar Welcome won both 200Hp Bush Boat events; Clarence Belle was tops in the 150-200Hp contest while Amir Nazier (Rude Boy 11) outpowered his peers in the 15Hp class.

History was created when there was a female kayak race, the brainchild of BBDC chairman, Chunilall Baboolall. Seven ladies contested the event and it was Charlene Wilson who took the checkered flag ahead of Jameila Pollard and Indera Godette.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phillips who declared the event open, stated in his remarks that the Government of Guyana was very pleased to be part of the event which further showcased the talent of the racers in the various events.

He also complimented the organisers for pulling off such an event which also displayed the sports tourism potential of the community and by extension, Guyana. Sports would continue to be a priority of the Government of Guyana. PM Phillips wished all well. Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams was also part of the day’s activities.

Following is the list of sponsors who partnered with the BBDC to make the event a resounding success. The Government of Guyana, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Aruwai Resort White H2O, Zen’s Plaza, Regional Democratic Council, Region #7, Bartica Mayor & Town Council, Banks DIH Ltd, Paradise Hookah Lounge, Pandits Spare Parts Store, Ansa McAl Trading, Pradesh & Sherry’s Hardware Store, M.F.

Yassin’s General Store, Hart’s Mineral Trading & Suits, Ryan and Reuben’s Enterprise, W.K. Enterprise, Rats Mining Company, Sheik Halfrose Mining, J&M Hangout (Junie), Gary Young’s Mining, ODY Fuels, Boodhoo’s General Store, Mohamed’s Enterprise, River Quest Jet Boat Service, El Dorado Trading, Hopkinson Mining Logistics, Early Bird Speedboat Service, Sir’s Service Station & General Store, M.J’s Supermarket, R. Baksh & Son’s General Store, B & R Emporium Gold Mining Inc., Palm Springs Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, Crown Mining Supplies, Guyana Gold Board, Guyana Geology & Mines Commission, Big Kiss Parking Lot (Parika), Pandit’s Service Station, SOL (Guyana) Inc., MACORP.