IN a proud declaration, Mayor of Bartica, Martin Murray has hailed the 2024 Bartica Regatta as an unequivocal triumph, attributing its success to the town’s bolstered infrastructure.

The annual event, celebrated with fervor along the banks of the Essequibo River, showcased an array of water sports, cultural performances, a beauty pageant and culinary delights.
Mayor Murray emphasised the pivotal role played by recent infrastructural enhancements in facilitating the smooth organisation and execution of the Regatta.

“What made it so successful is the infrastructure work the government is putting in place in Bartica. And as the Mayor, I think that is one of the contributing factors that has made it successful,” he noted, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Easter Monday.

Bartica has seen concerted efforts of local authorities and government agencies in upgrading key elements of its infrastructure, ranging from improved roadways to upgraded waterfront facilities.
Recent road rehabilitation initiatives have significantly improved connectivity within Bartica and its surrounding areas, easing traffic congestion and streamlining logistics for event organisers.

These, according to the Mayor, will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but have also positioned Bartica as a premier destination for cultural and sporting events. He explained that this year’s Regatta was better than last year and will benefit tourism going forward.

“[It is] our premier event. You could see it has grown. It has grown tremendously, and we are now evolving to be one of the tourist destinations…,” Mayor Murray added.
The success of the Bartica Regatta 2024 has not only bolstered the town’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub but has also generated economic opportunities for local businesses.

The influx of tourists and visitors contributed to a surge in revenue for hospitality establishments, vendors, and artisans, further fuelling Bartica’s economic growth trajectory.
Mayor Murray explained his desire to make Bartica a tourism attraction, telling visitors, “Continue to come, good things are in store for you.”

Looking ahead, Mayor Murray reaffirmed the town’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure investment to support the expansion of tourism and cultural events like the Bartica Regatta.
He urged stakeholders and partners to work together to achieve Bartica’s development objectives, including establishing hotels and other business endeavours.

Even though Bartica depends heavily on extractive industries for sustenance, Region Seven Chairman Kenneth Williams said the town is “diverting into tourism because we recognise that tourism is extremely important for us to survive as a region.
“We cannot be depending on the extractive industries forever. So, we need tourism to help improve our economy.”

The government has allocated $4.9 billion to Region Seven and its surrounding communities in this year’s National Budget. These investments are improving citizens’ lives in various ways, including the construction of roads connecting the town to the interior and other regions, as well as ongoing efforts to create more employment.