TWENTY years ago, there was hardly any boat cruises in the country when Paul Adrian Bonar Jnr. hosted his first one from Parika to Fort Island. As he gears up to host another on Sunday, December 3, nothing has changed in terms of his passion and drive in promoting an event he knows meets the needs of his loyal supporters.

Popularly known as “DJ Stress,” Bonar, the first events promoter to get a boat cruise on the Chinese ferry, is currently in full promotion mode as the event nears, especially on his ‘Morning Drive with DJ Stress’ radio show.

Reflecting on how the idea of a boat cruise started, Bonar told Buzz this week: “I didn’t see any being done for a certain niche of music lovers in terms of Bollywood music, Chutney, 70s and 80s music. I was only seeing boat cruises with other genres of music but not for the people who like [this kind of music].”

Unlike other events, Bonar said persons are allowed to walk with their coolers to his cruise. Even as he ensures a well-stocked drinks and food bar, he said he understands that people like to walk with their own food and drinks.

With entertainment being provided by 71 Sounds, tickets are available in Georgetown, on the East Bank of Demerara, West Coast Demerara, on the Essequibo Coast, East Coast Demerara, Mahaicony, West Berbice, East Berbice, and in Bartica.

Although numerous arrangements must be put in place to pull off one of his events, Bonar often resorts to organising most of the details himself. Even as he sees delegation as necessary, Bonar had told this publication in a previous interview that he likes things done in a certain way and in accordance with a particular timeline.

“Maybe this explains why he has often been told that he is always a step ahead in the entertainment industry, and why fans and partygoers often meet him to let him know how much they enjoyed his events,” a previous article had said.

In organising his events, Bonar had said it is not always as easy as it looks. Many arrangements have to be put in place in order to ensure a smooth running show including providing security through the police, scanning people for firearms, providing parking space and vehicle security, having floodlights in place, DJs, cleaners, special lighting effects, and a temporary medical outpost.

“I do all of the organisation and then I delegate to others. Sometimes I prefer to do everything on my own,” he had said. (Telesha Ramnarine)