Organizers of the annual Bartica Regatta have decided to make it a two-day event and thousands turned up yesterday reports said.

Minister Manniram Prashad (right) presents a trophy to one of the winners (GINA photo)

The event has improved yearly, provides a good basis for development in Region Seven and, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, is a “unique feature of Guyana’s domestic tourism which has been developing rapidly”.

This year’s regatta, GINA said, was held at the Golden Beach Circuit and opened by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. Minister of Tourism, Manniram Prashad and Chairman of Region Seven Holbert Knights were also present at the event.

Hinds indicated that he was pleased with the event’s development and expressed his hope that it continues to expand since it is one of the major events on the country’s tourism calendar.

A section of the crowd enjoying the races (GINA photo)

He noted that the major economic activities in the community are mining and logging but urged residents to become involved in forward linkages like the manufacturing of furniture and other such products.

The Bartica Regatta, GINA stated, is an event the Tourism Ministry has been promoting throughout the years. Other major events like the Rupununi Rodeo and Kite Flying competitions are some major events that occurred over the Easter weekend and will continue today.