Approximately $35M-$37M is spent annually to host the Region Seven Bartica Regatta. Moreover plans to make the event even bigger will require as much as $50M. This disclosure was made by Regional Chairman, Mr. Gordon Bradford.
Bradshaw’s remarks came in response to call by President David Granger for the event to become a truly national event. In fact the President has pledged support for the hosting of future regattas. In light of this Bradford indicated his willing to work closely with the Mayor and Town Council to develop a budget for a much bigger event in 2018.
Getting ready to compete.
“The Regatta is important to the life of Bartica and Region Seven… With Central Government’s support, I am encouraged and I am positive that we could move this event to the next level. Regatta belongs to us and we can no longer just look for handouts here and there… So in preparation of the 2018 budget we will combine our ideas and efforts and we will budget for the event,” he said.
President Granger in as address at the official opening of the 65th Bartica Regatta today urged the Regional administration and the Bartica Regatta Committee to make it a Region-wide event with participants and athletes from communities along the Upper Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers and a wider range of sporting and novelty events such as canoeing, sailing, water polo and swimming. The opening of the event was venued at the Golden Beach Pavilion.
Even as he described it as an important Easter ritual in Guyana, President Granger called for its support from residents from throughout the Region. Currently the event is largely sponsored by Barticians.
“I do believe that the Bartica Regatta can fulfil not only the aspirations of a small group of people, but also of the whole nation… All three levels of Government, the municipal, the regional and Central, must come together with the support of the private sector to make this Regatta event, a truly national one,” President Granger said.
He noted that the Regatta has a long history, which dates back to the colonial period. It was started by Mr. Wilton Anderson Angoy, a District Commissioner, who is also credited for organising the Rupununi Rodeo, both of which are held at Easter time. The President expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Regatta Committee, the Regional Administration, the private sector sponsors and other stakeholders for ensuring this tradition is maintained. “Bartica is enjoying the democratic dividend for being made a town. So today as we gather here, we beam with pride because Bartica is finally coming into its own alongside New Amsterdam, Linden and other town in Guyana,” he said.