The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted the first in a series of consultations with local stakeholders to review existing safety guidelines for regattas and water sport in Region Seven last week.
The consultations aim to inform the revising, drafting and implementing of safety policies, in recognition of the growing popularity and interest in regattas as a sporting activity, the GTA said in a press release yesterday. The agency and the Ministry of Tourism will then use these guidelines as criteria for the endorsement and support of any local water-based activity.
The first session was held with Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford, President of the Boat Racing Association of Guyana Winston Miller and the Director of Mainstay Resort Wilfred Jagnarine where discussions focused on the existing rules, the availability of a medi-vac craft, the presence of additional personnel, a review of the course layout and the screening of competitors for alcohol consumption.
GTA representative Carla James-Chandra
explained that the review of the existing safety management regime, attitudes to and the awareness of safety within water-based sport such as boat racing “will help to reduce accidents and improve safety at regattas and organised water based activities.”
She emphasised that adherence to specific rules will become a prerequisite for the ministry/GTA endorsement of water-based sport. She also noted the importance of cooperation among the clubs and individuals in crafting the rules which will benefit the entire boat racing fraternity, the sponsors and spectators.
The participants, who are all representatives of the major regatta committees, welcomed the review, particularly in wake of the accident that claimed the life of powerboat champion Orin Belle last year.
“…We are willing to comply with whatever rules and guidelines are put in place,” Jagnarine said. Similarly, Miller said the “Bartica and Mainstay Committees will work together to lend support for the enforcement of these rules.”
In addition, the Region Seven Chairman said there are a number of safety rules that exist for the Bartica Regatta and gave assurances that the Bartica Regatta Committee will embrace all new guidelines that are put in place.
According to the release James-Chandra and Kemie Williams, another GTA representative, gave further assurances that all suggestions made during the consultations will be taken into consideration. Proposed phases in the consultation process include meeting with stakeholders, hosting workshops on safety measures, working with existing groups and clubs, dispatching the draft proposal of standards and regulation, consolidation and clarification of feedback and the publishing of the final strategy/guidelines, the release said.
The Bartica Regatta will be held from March 30 -31 in Region Seven while the Lake Mainstay Regatta will be held on August 13.
