Guyanese on Monday joined families and friends as they celebrated Easter with the usual kite flying, as well as picnics, at various beaches and parks.
For some, this year’s festivities could have been better, while others said that it was better than last year’s. Guyana Times International on Monday visited a number of the popular areas to see how citizens celebrated the holiday.
One could not have asked for better weather as the sun shone brightly and the cool wind blew across the coast. Travelling along the East Coast Highway just after midday, you would have seen families gearing up to have a fun-filled time.
At the popular Hope Beach, the uneven land and the fact that it is not exactly a beach anymore since mangroves were planted along the shore did not stop persons from staking out spots, setting up their tents, and preparing meals. Families were also having fun trying to get the kites up in the air, the children were especially enthusiastic and full of excitement as they assisted or watched their kites being raised.
After much difficulty, several kites were up and singing that tune we have all come to love, the tune that makes us feel proud, as if a victory was just gained. This newspaper spoke to several families at the Hope Beach.
The Alder family from Perseverance and the Chichester family from Cottage were tucked together in a corner, and said they were having fun. The families get together every year at that location to celebrate this holiday.
Another beachgoer, Ganesh Persaud, who was watching as his one-year-old daughter bounced on a trampoline,
What an unusual kite!
said the mangroves have blocked the ocean view and made the beach smaller, but it was a perfect sunny day.
The vendors were also out and ready for business. Stennett Mc Garrell, a food vendor, said that for the past three years, he has been selling at the beach. The elderly man said as the day gets older, the beach will brighten up, and even though the mangroves have blocked the view of the ocean, he does not mind because it’s for their protection and the ocean can be seen from nearby.
Guyanese were not the only ones involved in the Easter fun, American citizen Bernie Meyers said it’s her first time in Guyana and she is really enjoying herself and given the warmth she has been shown, she will definitely return.
The Miami resident disclosed that she came to Guyana at the behest of her Guyanese-based American friend, Debra Duke who said it feels good to be in Guyana for Easter.
Along the East Coast sea wall, tents were erected and kites soared along the skyline, as families enjoyed a good time together.
These children are having fun on a trampoline at Hope Beach
Mahaica resident Pradeep told this publication that every year he brings his family out at the sea wall. A Canadian citizen, Joyce, brought her family along to spend the holiday. She told this publication that she is enjoying the fact that her family is with her and they are having fun. The woman said she prefers Easter in Guyana.
Down in Georgetown, the popular Easter stop, National Park, was packed with families and youngsters enjoying themselves. The children were seen dancing to the music as they got busy with their kites, trying to get them up in the air, while their families relaxed over picnics.
Guyana Times International spoke with a West Ruimveldt Family, who called themselves the blessed family. They related that they are having a wonderful time at the National Park at their regular “spot”.
Meanwhile, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that President Donald Ramotar joined thousands of Guyanese as they celebrated the climax of the Easter season in grand style.
Beach fun at the Georgetown Seawall
The head of state first made his way to the Number 63 Beach on the Corentyne Coast where he was warmly greeted by Guyanese from all walks of life.
His next stop was the Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara, where he was met by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall.
Subsequent to his final stop at the National Park, the president in a brief comment said that Easter is a holiday that rekindles the spirit of family and togetherness, and the fact that all citizens are free to socialise and enjoy themselves speaks volumes for Guyana as a country.
Over the course of the Easter weekend, numerous activities were held across the country, including concerts featuring several popular artistes, the Rupununi Rodeo, and the Bartica Regatta. These events also attracted a large number of visitors into the country.
