By Ravin Singh

Excitement was palpable in the National Park on Monday as thousands flooded the public space to share quality time with family members and friends and to observe the symbolic Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.And although this celebration emerged out of the Christian faith, in a country with very diverse ethnic and religious composition, Easter is no longer limited to one group, but is observed as a national pastime by all.

This was the contention of President David Granger, who made an appearance at the park, which he traditionally visits on Easter Monday. Dressed in sober colours -– a blue shirt and a pair of grey pants -– the Head of State was immediately flocked by hundreds, who seized the opportunity to have their photographs taken with him. Others wanted a mere hug, while some just wanted to touch the man who sits at the helm of this great nation.

From cradling babies to his chest to posing with hundreds of people for photographs, and a few failed attempts at flying a kite, the happiness this brought to the President was sure to leave vivid memories etched in his heart. And while broad smiles dominated most of his two-hour-long walk around the park, his expression was sometimes indescribable.

A few moments evidently left him puzzled. From having to cheer up crying babies to having to wait for children to find their camera application for photographs with him, what was evident was that his patience was not thin.

“Mr President, I just want shake yuh hand and let yuh know I happy with how you running this country. Keep up the good work, partner,” one partially drunk man said, as he staggered away.

He was not to be taken as a joke though, because as the famous Guyanese proverb goes: “Only children and drunk men talk the truth”.

Speaking briefly to the media, which sought to capture every moment shared on Monday, the Head of State was keen to note that the Easter celebration is not limited to one group, but has now become a national pastime.
“I come here every year, because Guyanese of all ethnicities and all religions look forward to this ritual of flying kites on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Even though they may not be Christians, it has now become a national pastime,” the President said.

He revealed that other Caribbean countries are astonished at the scale of Easter Monday kite-flying in Guyana, and its ability to attract diverse groups to share memorable moments in the same space.

Meanwhile, the day’s activities at the National Park were no different from what obtained in other years. Though most of the excitement was fuelled by kite-flying and sports playing, what was interesting to observe was that this event provided an opportunity for commercial-based activities.

And happiness was clearly not limited to just those flying kites or picnicking. Owners of snow-cone carts and food stalls cashed in big, given the demand for their products during the day.

Even those selling children’s toys shared in the celebration, as every crying child provided an opportunity for their products to be sold as a commodity of comfort.

One Christian group also took its religious displays beyond the walls of the church by staging a magnificent depiction of the death and Resurrection of Christ. Their programme was punctuated by dances which were good enough to demand the attention of those around.

Unity, it seemed, was being fostered. Guyanese, even if just temporarily, appeared to have realised what it means to truly live in accordance with our motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.