Bartica Regatta unrivalled – Min. Harmon
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, April 21, 2019
The Bartica Regatta takes its place among the top tourist and entertainment attractions on Guyana’s social calendar.
This is the view of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during the official opening of Bartica Regatta 2019 at the waterfront pavilion in Bartica.
Bringing greetings from President David Granger, Minister Harmon said the Head of State who just returned home last evening from Cuba, sent his best wishes to the people of Region 7.
Minister Harmon described the Regatta as an exhilarating spectacle.
“It’s a unique blend of sport, culture and entertainment that is ultimately unmatched anywhere in Guyana at this time.”
He also commended the organisers stating that that the event had become diverse.
“No longer is it just boat racing, there is a pageant, grass track racing, birding etc.”
He disclosed that the Office for Climate Change (OCC) has received approval for a $629M ($US3M) grant for Bartica. “Which will be distributed as loans and grants to pursue green projects,” he stated.
This, he said, is in keeping with the government’s plan to make Bartica a model green town.
Among those at today’s opening were Mayor Gifford Marshall and Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford.
The official opening ceremony took place at approximately 13:00hrs today on the Golden Beach Boulevard.
By that time, thousands of residents and visitors had already packed the pavilion awaiting the first sets of boat races.
The Regatta, specifically speed boat racing, continues on Easter Monday.
Felecia Valenzuela.
Image: Ameer Sattaur.