Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad officially launched the 2011 Annual Bartica Easter Regatta as the nine delegates competing for the Miss Regatta title paid him a courtesy call on Wednesday. During a press briefing held at the Ministry of Tourism, South Road, Minister Prashad emphasised that his ministry remains fully supportive of the annual event, which has grown from strength to strength over the years.
“This event has been successful over the years and has grown from a two-day event to a week long celebration,” he said.
He explained that he is extremely pleased at the fact that the Regatta Committee, headed by Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) Chairman, Holbert Knights, has extended the occasion which will create an ideal situation to accommodate and entertain the influx of tourists expected this Easter.
As to the preparations being made to accommodate the additional visitors, Prashad announced that the ministry has sought to have more international flights to bring visitors in.
He stated, “We are currently in discussions with Delta and Caribbean Airlines to put on extra flights as all the Easter flights are booked.”
In addition, he noted that the Essequibo Region has also attracted an influx of yachts, especially in the Bartica area, which adds to the interest already generated by the Regatta.
Prashad also took the opportunity to announce that for the first time in the history of the Regatta, the government has agreed to grant duty-free concessions to person desirous of bringing in racing boats for the event.
According to the minister, this decision was taken in support of Guyanese racers who would also like to compete in racing events outside of the country, and possibly outside of the Caribbean.
“We have good racers in Guyana and the government has to provide the facilities and make it easier for them,” he announced.
The Ministry of Tourism   will be presenting the first prize of a laptop to the winner of the Miss Bartica pageant.
Minister Prashad urged all Guyanese, especially the Barticians, to be cognizant of the fact that their region is developing and encouraged them to make the most of the improvements there.
Chairman of the Bartica Regatta Committee, Mr. Holbert Knights, stated that this year’s celebration is expected to be one of the biggest thus far.
He pointed out that the activities will commence this weekend with the sashing ceremony for the Miss Regatta contestants , and five Barticians who have made significant contribution in the various sectors will be honoured as well.
The following weekend, on April 16, the ‘Bartica Regatta Jump Start’ show will be held, featuring international recording artiste Wayne Marshall and Guyana’s own Jomo. That weekend will also see the staging of the Girl Power Show, which will feature bikini models, Big Red and Shelly ‘G’.
For the power boat racing fans this Easter Sunday and Monday will be packed with races as there have been some additions to the racing events.
On Easter Sunday night the Miss Bartica Regatta Queen will be crowned. The final event will be on Easter Monday with the grand wash down show featuring the Karma band and a line-up of local acts.
Mr. Knight also noted that the event has been generously sponsored and endorsed by the government.
He added that this year’s events have received much support from the business community and explained that infrastructural works and accommodation are in place to support the influx of visitors.
“We have had significant improvements and have added three additional hotels; we are stepping up to meet the demands of visitors.
The annual Bartica Regatta Magazine which chronicles the event will also be launched.