Latest update August 1st, 2026 12:35 AM
Latest News
Tribute to a Champ…Powerboat Racer Orin ‘Monty’ Belle: 1970 – 2012
By Franklin Wilson
While we know that death is something we cannot avoid, yet we are always unprepared for such a reality. What makes losing a loved one, close relative or friend even more devastating is when the individual is strong, has youth and their entire life ahead of them. But as the saying goes, when it’s your time, it surely is.
Orin Belle
The name Orin Keith Montgomery Belle aka Monty was a popular name in Bartica and the powerboat racing community. He made his entrance into this world on May 17, 1970 to parents Clara and Vibert Belle (both deceased) and died as perhaps he would have loved, in competition mode, on August 12, 2012.
Wednesday, August 14, 2012 should have been the date when Orin was to have migrated to the USA permanently but as fate would have it that was never to be.
Sunday August 12 started out as another normal day with Monty and his other brothers focused on representing and excelling at the Annual Lake Mainstay Regatta at Mainstay on the Essequibo.
It was reported that Orin did not want to make the trip to Mainstay since he was migrating but he was encouraged by another brother to make the trip along with them since he was leaving permanently, and like good brothers, he agreed.
The rest now is history as we are well aware that that unfortunate accident involving Monty’s boat ‘Iron Charlie’ and 3:16 piloted by Dave Young which collided on a turn in the first race of the day on lap two.
We will not focus on what should have and could have been in terms of the requisite medical facilities and otherwise, we will however center a bit on the person, Orin Keith Montgomery Belle aka Monty.
He hails from a family that has made its name in Guyana and the Caribbean in the sport of Powerboat racing; Orin had no other choice than to continue this rich family tradition even though he was born in the Capital City, Georgetown.
So, after completing his secondary education at St. John’s College, Orin, the youngest brother of the Belle clan, relocated to Bartica to join his other siblings at age eighteen (18) and started to work with elder brother, Christopher.
As a youngster, Orin loved to play cricket and table tennis but it was almost natural for him to gravitate towards the sport of powerboat racing.
One of his brothers, Stephen, remembers ‘Monty’ as a very affable individual who valued family life.
He said that he was a fierce competitor who ruled the roost in the C Class category at the annual Easter and August Regattas.
“Monty won numerous championships during his career and was a good family man who was committed and caring.”
Monty was so committed to family life that he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Tamara, fifteen (15) years ago. He has one daughter, Tattianna after whom he named one of his boats.
Orin Belle with wife Tamara
The entire community of Bartica has been plunged into a state of shock and disbelief following Sunday’s tragedy.
Wake for the late Orin Keith Montgomery Belle will be held at his residence 26 Carebesa Hill, Bartica with the funeral service set for Sunday August 19 at the St. John’s The Baptist Anglican Church from 14:00hrs.
He has left to mourn brothers Edward, Clarence, Stephen, Ralph aka Peter, Christopher, Vibert and Alexander. He had one sister, Lynette Collymore who has also passed away. Wife Tamara and daughter Tattianna. My his soul rest in peace
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.