He made the disclosure last Thursday when he declared the Bartica Regatta officially open. Commenting on the promotion of yachting in the country, the minister noted that Bartica is now a port of entry and he expressed the hope to have a marina built there so that yachters can seek the necessary repairs that they may need to make on their boats.
The tourism minister also disclosed that later the ministry will be hosting a pageant workshop at the Liliendaal Conference Centre. Negla Brandis was contracted, the minister stated, to conduct the workshop since the ministry is serious about hosting pageants of a high standard in the country.
Commenting on the Bartica Regatta Pageant, the minister expressed his satisfaction at its standard but observed that in other instances there were some unscrupulous pageant organisers and substandard pageants being held.
From his boardroom on South Road, the minister commended chairman of the Regatta Committee, Holbert Knights and noted that under his chairmanship the regatta has maintained a high standard. Prashad added that he was happy to be associated with the committee.
The minister also pointed out that this is the 38th year of the regatta and he believed that the event “can only boost tourism.” And Knights, who is also the Regional Chairman of Bartica, expressed his delight at the backing and support of the Ministry of Tourism of Regatta and promised the experience of a lifetime at this year’s regatta.
The regatta, from April 3 to April 5, will feature two days of racing. The pageant will be held in the evening on April 4. Soca artist Peter Ram is scheduled to perform, along with local entertainers, to bring the weekend activities to a close on April 5 with a beachside concert.
