Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has pledged the government’s continued support to raise the profile of the annual Bartica Regatta and transform it into a truly national event.
Minister Harmon, who was at the time delivering remarks at the opening of the 67th Bartica Regatta, said government is pleased to be associated with the event.
“We continue to strive to provide an enabling environment for such activities as the Bartica Regatta to expand and grow. We continue to provide and improve infrastructure, not only in Bartica but all across Guyana to facilitate the good life for our people. Here in Bartica you can see the boardwalk, the improved community centre ground, better roads, better sanitation, improved Information and communication technology infrastructure and a new radio station to give a few examples. All of this is set within a programme to make Bartica a model ‘green’ town, a model for the ‘greening ‘of Guyana, for the establishment of our ‘green’ economy and the ‘green’ state of Guyana,” he said.
The Minister of State noted that the administration is determined to continue this process of development not only in Bartica but across the region and throughout Guyana.
Meanwhile, he commended the Bartica Town Council and the 2019 Regatta Organising Committee for successfully organising this year’s activities, which began on April 7, 2019 and concluded yesterday, April 22, 2019.
“This is certainly a great achievement for an event that started simply with boat races by ‘Grant boat captains’ over forty years ago. The Bartica Regatta has grown from strength to strength and has taken its place among the top tourist and entertainment attractions in Guyana’s social calendar. Of this note, is the diversity of activities of the Regatta. It is no longer only boat racing. We now have a beauty pageant of international standards, football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, road cycle racing, motorcycle grass track, swimming and even bird whistling competitions. What, in fact, we have is an exhilarating extravaganza; a unique blend of sports, culture and entertainment that is perhaps unmatched anywhere at any time of the year in Guyana,” Minister Harmon said.
He noted that as residents and visitors all celebrate during the time and atmosphere of Easter, which is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the celebration of the gift of salvation to man, they should also bask in the atmosphere of racial and cultural unity that exists in the community of Bartica where all live in the spirit of love, togetherness, and unity.
Regional Chairman, Mr. Gordon Bradford echoed similar sentiments as he noted that the Bartica Regatta has grown significantly over the years and it is now one of the most anticipated events for not just Barticians but all Guyanese.
Speaking of the economic impact the annual event, Mr. Bradford explained that all of the hotels are booked, there is an upsurge in activities in the transportation sector and shops and restaurants see a significant increase in business. This, he said, is an indication of the major boost that the Regatta provides to the Region’s economy.
