Showers fail to discourage regatta revellers
Mild showers did not dampen the spirits of the hundreds of revellers determined to have fun in Bartica for the annual Regatta on Sunday. In fact it appeared as though the more it rained the more fun revellers had. Persons from all across Guyana, including remigrants turned up at the Bartica pavilion to see the annual boat races. From as early as six in the morning persons from all walks of life, including children were trickling into the pavilion. By noon it was difficult to move about as the crowd was already thick. There were several attractions. While some enjoyed the races, most of the younger patrons danced to the popular sounds blasting from a large music box. Some families erected tents and enjoyed a picnic, while some just sat on the sea walls and enjoyed the atmosphere. Some went on boat rides and others just preferred to play in the water. Guyanese from all walks of life were together as one, in harmony. "I'm having a very good time," Terry Bacchus, who returned to Guyana just for the regatta, said. "The racing and mixing and blending is wonderful. I get so high I can't tell you which one [of the activities] I enjoy better." Lynette Bacchus who visited Bartica for the first time said, "So far, so good. I like the hospitality, the boats are very interesting and its amazing to see everything." Also at Bartica for the festivities on Sunday were President Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Trade and Tourism, Geoff Da Silva; Permanent Secretary in the Trade Ministry, Sonia Roopnauth; PNC leader Desmond Hoyte and Bartica officials. Later in the afternoon persons left the pavilion and officials went to work to get the area ready for the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant 2000, which was held in the evening. The fun did not stop after the pageant, many went to the popular hang-out spots - Kool Breeze or the Nest Disco where the Cannon Balls performed. On Saturday night Jahrusalem Band performed at the street jam at Third Street and First Avenue Bartica in the vicinity of the Transport and Harbours Department Stelling. Hotels in Bartica did brisk business. Checks by this newspaper revealed that all the hotels in the region were occupied. Some hotel owners told this newspapers that persons began to book accommodation early in the year. (Judy Fitzpatrick)
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