Dear Editor,
Myself and family responded to the much advertised horse race held at Port Mourant on Sunday, August 16. We travelled from West Coast Demerara all the way to Port Morant, Berbice with high expectations of the event. When we got to the venue, it was observed that there was a huge crowd which we estimated as being about 12,000. The small seating stand was filled with about 1000 patrons. The balance of the crowed was seen climbing on the roofs of their vehicles and running up and down to get a glimpse of the horses on the track.
I went to a nearby fence to get a glimpse only to realize my hands were holding on to tar on the fence. We had to contend with the blazing sun. I went to a nearby stall to purchase water. The price for a bottle of water for which we pay $100 in Georgetown was being sold for $250. The organizers, sponsors and promoters of these events must be aware of what are acceptable criteria for these public events. In fact selling approximately 12000 tickets for a stand with seating capacity for only 1000 could technically be viewed as fraud. There must be some form of legally acceptable standard for these public events. We must be mindful of the impression we give, especially to tourists if we are going to develop our tourism sector.
While I was robbed of enjoying an event that is supposed to be exciting, I urge those responsible to look again and ensure the horse-racing facility is further developed to deliver a better experience to patrons.
Yours faithfully,
C Woolford
