Baboolall keen to satisfy tradition through regatta

By Delvon McEwan

Many might view the Aruwai Summer Regatta as an event that was hosted to rake in millions in profit, but to the man behind the initiative, Chunilall Baboolall, this is not the case as he is keen to satisfy the people of Bartica and the adjacent areas’ cultural desires.

According to Baboolall, Regatta for Barticians is a tradition, “one where we (Barticians) get to showcase and sustain our culture.” Actually the Summer Regatta is not the brainchild of Baboolall but due to the desire of the people in the region, he saw the need to reintroduce the activity after it was absent for a year.

The Bartica Races Regatta Club is the original host for the annual Summer Regatta; however, after a downturn in the economy there was no regatta last year. Due to this, Baboolall approached the original host some mere six weeks before this year’s event and was given permission to host the event.

The Regatta was known for its usual power boat races, but the dirt bike inclusion was wholesomely the new host’s idea and he wants to make it a ‘big deal’ locally and internationally, hinting that by the time of the next event, the races on the track could be done under lights.

In total the Regatta investments cost Baboolall approximately twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), ten million ($10,000,000) of which went to prizes and the other half was spent on organising.

With such hefty investments it is Baboolall’s hope that Guyanese enjoy two full days of entertainment and relaxation.

He is inviting all Guyanese, not just the Essequibians, to hop on board as he strives to make this event better the next time around.

Evidently, the entrepreneur is diverting from mining to the tourism sector. He seems to have the ideal initiatives and seems to be on the verge of hitting climax. However, it is just for a matter of patience and consistency, as it is not a sector in which evolution is manifested without the proper approach.