–where kite-flying is the order of the day

EASTER Monday at Fort Island, located in the Essequibo River, is a much-anticipated day which children look forward to and families spend time flying their kites on the beaches of that island.

The preparation of kites takes place from days before, especially for Easter Monday when picnic baskets would be packed after hours of cooking.

Fort Island is sprinkled with beaches that stretch for miles and the residents make use of the space and take their family and friends there for the day while others just fly their kites by the riverside.

Residents of other riverine communities such as Caria Caria, Baboon Hole, and St. Lawrence would journey in their boats to Fort Island and other nearby islands to spend the day kite-flying with friends and family.

The folks at Fort Island are very accommodating and would ensure that you have a good time with a good supply of food and drinks as they open their homes to you.

Children did not seem to mind getting in the sand to ensure their kites ‘go up in the air’ before the tide comes up and sections of the beach would disappear for a while. The adults divided their time supervising children and assisting in patching up damaged kites.

The atmosphere was one of sheer celebration and fun, since Fort Island is a tourist attraction which has Fort Zeelandia and the Court of Policy and accommodates dozens of visitors on a daily basis.

Even though it rained for the morning period on Easter Monday, that did not deter the children from flying their colourful plastic kites in the downpour at Hubu, Parika and the villages that line the West Coast Demerara corridor.

At some places such as the Joe Vieira Park, there were many tents being set up to accommodate kite-flyers and others, even though it was raining.

In a nutshell, the folks in Region 3 spent Easter Monday engaged in family-oriented activities and at the same time had lots of fun.