Holbert Knights, chairman of the Regatta Committee, had said at the launch of the Bartica Regatta in the Ministry of Tourism boardroom that the committee would work to ensure that there was no increase in the fare to travel to the community.
However, this newspaper observed that many persons ended up paying between $2,500 and $3,000 to travel to Bartica. Further, many persons had to endure long waits before they could board a boat because not many boats were working.
On Saturday, many persons, Barticians included, were stranded at Parika for hours as they awaited transportation. Some of the boat owners refused to work because they were not allowed to charge more than $2,000, which is the normal fare to travel to Bartica. Nonetheless, some persons did end up paying above that amount.
Meanwhile, on Easter Monday, as persons were departing after enjoying the weekend, they had to wait again for boats. Only a few boats were working because operators did not want to spend the night at Parika. Some persons again ended up paying more than the normal fare. Further, the boats that were travelling were overloaded.
Even up to yesterday the fare charged was $2,500 and the explanation given by the driver was that they had to travel back to Bartica empty. Despite the higher fare charged, the boat operator overloaded the boat cramming six persons in each row and then the driver took on even more passengers along the route to Parika.
Efforts made yesterday to contact Knights and Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad for comment proved futile. The cost of travelling to Bartica for Regatta has always been a controversial issue.
One resident of Bartica who expressed frustration at long waits, cramped boats and high fare, had suggested that speed boat operators offer a package to persons visiting at Regatta as a means of dealing with the issue.
The Easter Bartica Regatta attracts a large crowd every year and this year thousands of people attended the various activities that were held over the weekend.
