A section of the crowd in the pavilion enjoying Regatta 2011
Organisers of the annual Bartica Regatta have turned what was once a one-day boat racing activity into a two-day event which now attracts thousands of locals and tourists. This year was no different, as thousands flocked the Bartica beach to witness the most anticipated event on the calendar of activities for 2011 regatta.
On Sunday, April 24th, in sweltering heat, people from all walks of life, decked out in their colourful outfits and with umbrellas, food baskets and their little flags to wave in support of their favourite racers, turned up to witness the regatta. Despite a late start and some other glitches, the day’s proceedings went well. President Bharrat Jagdeo, accompanied by PPP/C presidential candidate Donald Ramotar and Tourism Minister Maniram Prashad, toured the beach, meeting and interacting with patrons. Some flocked the officials to get their photos taken as a souvenir.
In his brief message to the patrons, Ramotar expressed support for the regatta. He said the regatta has become one of the most-talked-about events during the Easter holidays. He further emphasised the need for national unity and cooperation among Guyanese, and urged them to use the Bartica Regatta as an example.
One of the boats which participated in the regatta
Also in the gathering was presidential candidate for the PNCR, David Granger, who, in an invited comment, told Guyana Times International that he was happy to be in his home town, and was elated that so many locals as well as coastlanders and tourists had turned up in support of the sport.
He expressed his optimism that Bartica will one day become a municipality, since it already has the various infrastructure for that purpose. He said that, after winning the elections, that task will be a priority on his list.
Meanwhile, some visitors from the coast expressed their frustration with the way things were done, suggesting that the boat racing has lost its attraction. “I don’t feel the vibes as before; the committee needs to take in suggestions from the public and use them so that the event can be more spicy and inviting,” one patron said. The patron has been attending the Bartica Regatta for almost all his life, and was sure that this year’s event was undoubtedly the biggest so far.
“When we can take advice and implement some of it, then the Bartica Regatta can be more huge and successful”, he added.
However, Satro from the Essequibo Coast told the Guyana Times International that he was not satisfied with the day’s proceedings, since the person he went to support was disqualified due to ‘some flimsy’ excuse. Satro and his entire family take time out every year to visit Bartica around the Easter vacation to support the regatta.
When Guyana Times International caught up with the disqualified competitor, he related that he was taken out of the race due to a number of reasons: he was told by the committee that his boat was too advanced to participate in the races, and more so, he had turned up late for the registration.
He revealed that while he was surprised at the decision of the regatta committee, he did not ‘fight the issue’ but had an enjoyable time with his friends and family.
A tourist from Finland, Thomas said that it was his first time in Guyana. He highlighted that he enjoyed himself thoroughly, and hopes to return to Guyana next year around the same time. He stated that Guyana has a lot to offer with respect to tourism and encouraged Guyanese to promote their country so that it can be recognised.
Immediately after the races, the party sessions started; the lime at the Regatta Pavilion; the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant, and small parties in several bars were the highlights of the event for most patrons.
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