Guyana should market speedboat regatta internationally - Dr. Terrence Smith

Guyana should market speedboat regatta internationally – Dr. Terrence Smith

Apr 17, 2017 Sports

Dr. Terrence Smith, Deputy Governor at the Bank of Guyana firmly believes that Guyana should market the speedboat aspect of its annual regatta celebrations internationally. He said that once this is done it will help in creating opportunities for several of the top speedboat racers that are in Guyana. Dr. Smith made this assertion while visiting the 2017 edition of the Regatta celebrations currently underway in Bartica.

Dr. Terrence Smith

Dr. Smith admitted that this is his first regatta that he is viewing and stressed that there are a number of untold economic and other opportunities that can be derived from the annual Easter weekend celebrations. He disclosed that with the quality level that is evident among several of the racers he remains confident that if the speedboat aspect is marketed internationally, it will serve to attract a number of international racers thus resulting in revenue being garnered for the community and ultimately the country. “It’s no secret that there are significant talent and frankly I believe that with what I am seeing if the organizers can attract international racers then garnering revenues would not be difficult,” he said.
“Once racers far and wide begin to add this (Bartica Regatta) to their calendar then the need for international attention would serve to further propel this as a major event thus resulting in economic benefits for all,” he added. Dr. Smith firmly believes that for any business or event to truly grow then sustainability is critically important, adding that in marketing the speedboat aspect of the regatta celebrations, careful planning is put in place as to ensure that the anticipated results are garnered.
Dr. Smith pointed out that with significant economic investment the sport can be further propelled, thus ensuring that there is economic value to the community and ultimately the country. He said that with the appropriate marketing tools being employed it will aid in significantly developing the sport to international standards. “The development will come from the appropriate changes and development that is made as the public help in playing a crucial role in all of this,” he said.
Smith expressed the view that there are a number of opportunities that can be used as a springboard to national development. He urged the racers to aggressively pursue the sport, noting that their continued involvement will help in further popularizing it. Further, he said that with the standard and skills that is available the future of speedboat racing remains bright. He went on to note that it would be a great initiative if the sport of regatta can be replicated in a number of other parts in Guyana.
This, he stressed, will help in providing added opportunities for competitions while noting that it will serve as a cadre of creating new and talented racers who can help in taking the sport to the next generation. “There is a great urgency for sustainability of the sport and therefore if more competitions are created it will help in increasing the interest of the sport and also for sponsors and fans as it helped in all areas,” he asserted.
Quizzed on added advice that can be given to further enhance the longstanding event Smith said that the Bartica and Lake Mainstay Regattas are serving as an impetus for growth and development of the Tourism sector and should be emulated in their parts of Guyana thus further making it into a truly money making venture. He added that with government’s support it would increase significantly, thus ensuring that speedboat racers can explore competing regionally and internationally. He expressed the view that while Guyana has not yet competed internationally in the water sport he remains very confident that Guyana will excel once they get involved. The regatta got off to a start Saturday evening with a show by internationally recording artiste Chris Martin.

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