THE mining community of Bartica was transformed into a scene of merriment last Saturday as thousands of people converged there for the annual regatta weekend.The incident free show was punctuated by blaring music around the sea wall area after being declared opened by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad.

He commended the Regatta Committee and Chairman of Region Seven

(Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Mr. Holbert Knights, for their sterling effort in organising the event that was planned months before the recent massacre that killed 12 persons.

Prashad, while tendering his sympathy with the survivors, maintained that life must go on and remarked that their mood reflected a positive sign for development.

He told the gathering that Government stands ready to support the region, which is at the gateway to the interior, for ever improving the image of the spectacular water sport.

Prashad remarked that standards for the boat races have been consistently better over the years and attracted more overseas visitors.

He lauded the sponsors, as well, for willingly participating and promised they will get nothing less than the maximum value for their advertising dollar.

Shortly after Prashad spoke, he accompanied Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Robert Corbin and the nine Miss Bartica Regatta contestants on the ‘Lap of Honour’ to signal the start of the programme.

Bartica Regatta 2008 power boat racing, at the Golden Beach Circuit, included 11 races in 25hp to 40hp; 75hp to 90hp and 115hp to 225hp categories, for prizes of both cash and trophies.

Prashad presented a laptop computer to Knights, for handing over to Miss Bartica Regatta 2008, Feano Richards.

Chief Judge of the contest, Designer Sonia Noel said the Sunday judging was a difficult task, because all those contesting were gorgeous.

She congratulated the designers who outfitted the beauties and declared that the pageant was indeed a success, considering the large turnout.