PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday charged those elected to the new Bartica Town Council to see their victory at the recently concluded Local Government Elections as an opportunity to collaborate with residents to enhance livelihoods.Addressing patrons at Bartica’s Golden Beach at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Bartica Regatta, President Granger said the new Town Council should plan to make Bartica a green town.

“When I think of Bartica, I think of environment, of employment, of development. I would like to see the new Town Council not celebrating a victory — there is no victory here; there is an opportunity to combine [efforts] with the other elements of Bartica — the business community, the social community, the government society — to move Bartica forward.

“It is not a victory, it is an opportunity; and let’s use this opportunity over the next three years to make Bartica strong,” President Granger said.

The Head of State said he always believed that, given its history, Bartica should have become a town. Now that this vision has been realised, the town must aim to become the pioneer of green efforts.

“I have always felt that Bartica should be a town; Bartica is 185 years old. Bartica is the best laid out hinterland town, and deserves to have been made a town one hundred years ago.

“We must endeavour to make Bartica clean, green and serene. Bartica deserves to lead. That is the charge I have given the Town Council.

“We must abolish all of this Styrofoam, we must start planting, and we must have solid waste management systems. Bartica must lead the way.

“What I want to see out of Bartica is a clean environment, economic development and also the empowerment of our citizens,” the President said.

With regard to Regatta, the President said the region must aim to expand the regatta to include other communities and villages. He also hoped the regatta would become a national event in which every individual could participate.
Director General of Tourism in the Ministry of Telecommunications, Mr. Donald Sinclair, said Bartica must be commended for overcoming the challenges and hosting a successful Regatta every year.

“Congratulations must be given to the officials and other persons for sustaining this Bartica Regatta over the many years, despite the economic and many other challenges,” Sinclair said.

Mr. Sinclair said the Tourism Ministry hopes to see the regatta expanded to become a major tourist attraction.

Regional Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradford said the Bartica Regatta has become a traditional fun day for every Bartician, and it continues to draw citizens from across the regions.
Having declared the Regatta open, President Granger led the “Lap of Honour” to kick off the day’s proceedings. He was cheered on by First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams; and scores of citizens who turned up for the fete. (Ministry of the Presidency)