THOUSANDS of Guyanese, from all walks of life, flocked the Number 63 Beach, at Corentyne, Berbice, on Easter Monday, to celebrate with activities in the true local style, despite rainfall.
Part of the programme was the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) annual kite flying competition, in which each winner, Navin Totaram (most unusual kite); Parmanand Mathur (largest kite) and Davanan Kooblall (smallest kite), was awarded a free trip to Kaieteur Falls. Along with the other competitors, they also, individually, received a DVD recording of ‘Guyana – Yours to Discover.’
The sponsors of the contest also distributed free kites to children at the location where scores of colourful ones of all shapes and sizes decorated the sky, as people indulged in picnicking, swimming, games and reunions with their friends and families in a relaxing atmosphere.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, who joined the crowd, remarked, to the Guyana Chronicle, that the occurrence at Number 63 was the culminations of a series of events over the past two weeks, in which the Ministry and GTA collaborated.
He said the motor racing, the previous weekend, was witnessed by a lot of overseas visitors and the Pakaraima Mountain Safari was a huge success.
Prashad said the annual Rupununi Rodeo was attended by 5,000 Brazilians who crossed the Takutu River Bridge.
He also acknowledged that the annual Bartica Regatta was similarly successful with at least 10,000 people attending.
Prashad said Number 63 Beach had the largest congregation of people in the entire country, estimating that there some 22,000 gathered there.
“We are very happy that so many people are coming out to these events and so many overseas people are coming back,” he said.
Prashad disclosed that people also travelled from Suriname to be part of the Number 63 Beach Easter Monday happening.
He said all the hotels in Berbice were filled and hinted at the need for more accommodation in the ‘Ancient County’ because the events there are getting bigger and bigger.

Returning
Prashad said, with the calendar events circulated throughout the country and overseas, people are returning to their homeland with their families and friends to show off Guyana.
He said the Ministry and GTA are again pleased to have been part of the entire Easter festivities and, only recently, together with the Number 63 Beach Committee, worked to enhance and improve the place as the major tourist attraction in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).
GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh said Number 63, probably, sees the largest gathering of Guyanese anywhere for Easter.
He said it was, indeed, a wonderful experience to see so many Guyanese celebrating the ascension of Christ in such a unique way.
Haralsingh said the Region and the Beach Committee did a very good job in cleaning the location and assured that capital works will continue, from May, with the construction of four more benabs and toilets and changing rooms.
He said part of the plan, for this year, is also to take fresh water to the beach but that would be left up to either the Beach Committee or a non-governmental agency to operate.
Haralsingh said Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) partnered in the beach enhancement, providing some garbage bins.
Guyana Chronicle spoke with Nalene Darsan, who has been away for 34 years, living in Virginia, United States.
About the beach, she remarked: “It is very nice, this is my first time coming here.”
She said, after returning home for the first time since migrating, she found the change unbelievable.
Originally from Bengal, Corentyne, Darsan said she will be encouraging other natives to come and visit their homeland, which she would do, again.
Her brother, Totaram Pawaroo, who also lives in Virginia and has been resident abroad for 27 years, is also holidaying in Guyana, after four years.
He, too, acknowledged the great improvements and developments taking place and mentioned the Berbice River Bridge, particularly, which allows easier access to Berbice.
“It is one of the best achievements for Guyana,” he said.
His brother-in-law, Innahid Sadik, now resident in London, England, said it was, indeed, a great occasion and people were having a great time.
“Development is tremendous here, in Guyana. I, normally, visit here once a year since 2004 and every time I come back, I am amazed to see what is taking place, on the highways, at the hospitals, the schools and Berbice River Bridge. I think it is great,” Sadik commented.
Rebekah Timran, of Number 48 Village, Corentyne, said: “The atmosphere is quite friendly and the best part of it is having a good time with family.”
She said they all gather at this time of year for a family reunion.