By Shaniya Harding in Bartica

BARTICA, often referred to as the gateway to Guyana’s interior, is buzzing with activity as the township prepares to welcome an estimated 10,000 people for the grand culmination of Regatta 2025. The highly anticipated event, which stretches across several weeks and concludes this Easter weekend, is a successful collaboration between the Bartica Town Council, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Guyana Tourism Authority.

Now one of the premier tourism attractions in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Bartica Regatta has grown beyond a mere entertainment spectacle. According to Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams, the event plays a major transformative role in the local economy, creating opportunities for small businesses and increasing the township’s appeal as a top tourism destination.

Speaking to the Sunday Chronicle, Williams stated, “We want to especially thank our sponsors, as usual. They’ve come on board in ways that I can’t imagine. We’ve started since April 5th, and there have been so many events that I’ve lost track. We’re doing excellently well in terms of participation, in terms of the community coming together as one.”
The regatta season, which includes water sports, pageants, cultural shows, and family-centred activities, has long been a staple in Bartica’s social calendar. But in recent years, it has taken on added significance as more Guyanese, as well as foreign tourists, include the event in their holiday travel plans and itineraries.

“I’m pretty satisfied with the reports that I’ve gotten that we are seeing an improvement in terms of this particular season. The season always opens the door for vendors or small businesses to benefit. It also encourages the local businesses and hustlers as well,” Williams said.
The ripple effects of the Regatta stretch across the town and local communities. Local hotel occupancy surges, restaurants see longer lines, and street vendors set up stalls to sell everything from local cuisine and souvenirs to crafts and clothing. It is, as Chairman Williams describes it, the town’s biggest economic opportunity of the year. The influx of visitors also provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s natural beauty, from its gold-mining history and riverine landscape to its warm, welcoming culture.

Williams acknowledged the financial and logistical support received from the Ministry of Tourism, noting that while the funding might not always be sufficient, it immensely helps to keep the festivities vibrant and well-organised.
The Bartica Regatta has also become a model for regional tourism development, showcasing how community-driven events, when supported by national institutions, can uplift local economies and preserve cultural traditions. It also reinforces the government’s broader tourism goals, especially as Guyana continues to position itself as a unique destination offering a mix of adventure, heritage, and eco-tourism experiences.

With weeks of activities already underway, Easter weekend is projected to be the high point, with the Miss regatta pageant, mega show and boat races all slated for the three-day weekend.
The regional chairman underscored the town’s readiness to host the influx, stating that, “We anticipate a bigger crowd this year. We get 10,000 people. That is what we anticipate, usually, and that fits on the beach.”
As the Easter weekend continues, the Bartica town council is hard at work to deliver a successful event. With strong public and private sector backing, a robust calendar of events, and the anticipation of thousands of visitors, the township hopes that Regatta 2025 will be a big push for the region’s tourism landscape. Local authorities say preparations are in place to ensure safety, order, and enjoyment for all.