Bartica Easter Regatta 2023 powerboat races: Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj) crowned champion in 115-200hp and 75-90hp classes
On a day when the usual clash of titans in the Formula One Class did not materialise because of an accident in the first race (the second event of the day), Sanjay Ramkissoon cashed in big time as he displayed versatility by controlling two of the next most powerful categories.
Champion driver Sanjay Ramkissoon piloting the winning Team Shivraj boat in the 115-200hp class
The event was blessed with brilliant sunshine, a colourful crowd, and the presence of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips; Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton; Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams and Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall among other officials. And the day turned out to be exciting despite the accident which resulted in both boats not being able to take any further part in the day’s activities.
PM Phillips declared the competition open after delivering official opening remarks, noting that Bartica would continue to benefit from developmental initiatives from the Government. He pointed out that the budget for capital works was increased substantially from 2022, which in itself signals the Government’s intent to further empower the residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) including the talented sportsmen and women.
Bernice Lewis is all joy as she beats her daughter, Glorine Phardoman to the top spot in the female kayak race
Minister Walrond spoke on the importance of the regatta as a leading tourism product for Region Seven, and by extension, Guyana. Welcome remarks were delivered by Regional Chairman Williams, who is also Chairman of the Bartica Easter Regatta Organising Committee.
But on the water top, the day belonged to Team Shivraj, piloted by Ramkissoon, who was commanding in winning both races for the 115-200 horsepower boats as well as in the 75-90hp class. There was a mother and daughter one-two finish in the female kayak race while there were nine competitors in the male kayak showdown.
The organisers are to make a determination as to the winner of the lone formula event which was being led by Randy Belle piloting Wave Runner. After the incident on the fourth turn where Wave Runner collided with another boat, Dave Scott aboard Jaguar, who was always chasing down Belle, took over the lead and eventually took the chequered flag. Discussions are still ongoing as to who is the clear winner.
A Team Shivraj member receiving the first-place trophy (75-90hp) from Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond
The clerk of course and his committee are to deliberate and come up with the winner of the race which was the second of the day, according to the organisers.
Sponsors of the event were Mohamed’s Enterprise, BK International Inc, Ming’s Products and Services, GTT, Banks DIH, Digicel, Guyana Tourism Authority, Sky West, Ideal Supplies, Bolo, LED Guyana, P Doobay & Sons (Pandit), Sir Service Station, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, and the Natural Resources Ministry.
Following are the full
results of the day:
Race – Placing
25-40hp Class D
Steve Satya (Team Shivraj); Dexter Peters (Love Machine); Jushanna
Charles (Mechanic)
