– also attends Rupununi rodeo
Mingling with the thousands of locals and foreigners, including overseas-based Guyanese, at the Golden Beach Circuit for the 2010 Bartica Regatta , President Bharrat Jagdeo  congratulated the organisers for the successful fun-filled event.
Among the organising team is a planning committee comprising members from the United States Chapter of the Bartica Regatta Committee.

Delivering brief remarks in the company of Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad, Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford, Regional Chairman Holbert Knights and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament Basil Williams, the Head of State said, “I think they have outdone themselves and from all that I have heard the event keeps growing bigger and bigger…so much so that they are extending it to two days this year,” President Jagdeo said.
The Head of State also lauded the effort of the Regional authorities for their collaboration with Central Government for the hosting of Regatta 2010 which he said is one of the legacies of a town that is strategically located.

He said such an event develops the sense of patriotism that has been responsible for so many overseas-based Guyanese returning to Regatta and other fun-filled events, and that this (Regatta) augurs well, not only for the people of Bartica, but for Guyana, and more particularly the country’s growing tourism sector which has potential to generate employment for thousands.
President Jagdeo alluded to the issue of mining and the recent developments in the sector. He said he was reluctant to address the topic at such a forum but felt he had to do so given that there is now a better understanding of the government’s policy on mining.
“Those who came to see me in Georgetown recognised that they were misled by a campaign of misinformation. This is something that we have to avoid if we have to accelerate the development of this country,” President Jagdeo said.

Government’s intention for the mining sector, President Jagdeo said, is to expand it rather than to take away opportunities from people. He said, however, that mining must be done in a responsible manner and promised to soon re-engage Barticians on the topic.
Bartica Regatta has established itself as a prominent feature on the tourism calendar and has moved from a community-based event to a national and international one.
This year’s activities included a welcoming party for the overseas Barticians and other visitors, a Miss Bartica Pageant, speed boat and canoe races, jet skiing and kite flying. A super concert, with artistes including Peter Ram from Barbados, Adrian and Jomo from X2 and other Guyanese performers were set to bring the curtain down on the event.
President Jagdeo’s Easter weekend was also spent on a visit to the Rupununi where he attended the Rupununi Rodeo, which many lauded as being bigger and better this year, given that it is the first since the opening of the Takutu Bridge which links Guyana and Brazil.
Held in the district close to the Guyana/Brazil border, the Rupununi Rodeo is the last original type of Rodeo which features untrained animals. It is the largest event that attracts many locals and foreigners.
Among the highlights were a Rupununi Rodeo pageant, “Rodeo Lime,” similar to the “Main Big Lime” in Georgetown, followed by the Rodeo on Saturday and , including wild bull and horse riding, horse racing, wild cow milking, a female barrel race and steer roping.
There were also cultural highlights such as food displays, games, music and the lively so-called “Faha” dance (said to have its origin in the popular Northeast Brazilian “Forro” dance.
Apart from its entertainment value, the Rupununi Rodeo also has the potential for profit making. It was easy to find popular cowboy head gear and leather works, various dishes, drinks, BBQ chicken and Brazilian style beef and pork.
The Rodeo’s further development has also complemented the abundant tourism resources of the Rupununi.

Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad urged residents of the Rupununi to be more self sufficient, and at the same time improve the local facilities and provide employment for the community.
The Guyana Government, recognising its importance, invested heavily in the building of a modern rodeo site that has two new pavilions.
The private sector in Georgetown has also been a patron of the Rupununi Rodeo, and has boosted the drive for its regional and international exposure. Among the sponsors are Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) and the telephone company, Digicel.
The rodeo is part of an Easter calendar of events held during the period March 28 to April 5, including Kennard Memorial Horse Race, Motor Racing, Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Rupununi Wildlife Festival, Bartica Regatta, Horse Racing and Kite Flying competitions. (GINA)