I EXTEND greetings to all Guyanese, but especially to the Christian community which, on this long holiday weekend in Guyana, commences the season of Easter. For Christians, Easter is the most joyous period of their liturgical calendar, for it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus who, Christians believe, was crucified, died and was buried, but who rose on the Third Day in order to redeem mankind from their sins.

Easter is a time of great happiness and affirms an eternal truth: that despair inevitably yields to hope. The gloom and despondency that descended upon the followers after his crucifixion were rapidly overcome by his glorious ascension. Easter reminds us that death, evil and ill-will does not have the final say. Easter therefore is a time of great rejoicing, because it celebrates that flame of Hope, inserted into the heart of many persons, which may at times flicker, but which never fully extinguishes.
This Easter, as we take part in the traditional Easter activities- as we fly our kites and gather with friends and family- let us recall that at the centre of the Easter message is that celebration of Hope. This is the message that I particularly want to send to those who, at this time, may be experiencing emotional problems and grief. I want to encourage those persons to not give up; but to have faith.
The darkest cloud will blow over. Like everything else, your problems too will pass. May the Easter message become a source of strength and comfort!
Happy Easter to all Guyana!