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THIS Easter Monday it was clear that Guyanese across Georgetown have not lost the spirit of family and friendship even as many reflected on the true meaning of the season. Thousands of persons gathered at various locations for a long relaxing day of kite-flying in the sun.
Eager to capture the moments, the Guyana Chronicle’s first stop was at the beautiful Botanical Gardens on Vlissengen Road where hundreds of persons were seen picnicking; kite-flying; bike riding and generally having a good time.
Near the shade of a large tree, the newspaper met up with a group of ecstatic people who had just finished consuming their home-made cook-up meal and were happy to share their thoughts on the season.
“For us, this is a wonderful time because it represents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that’s the main reason we’re out here today: to celebrate and have fun,” said Miriam Mohammed on behalf of her friends.
After what they described as a “great meal”, the group’s next plan for the day was to play lots of games together and to relax while they had the chance.
Just a few meters away was a group of church members from Belladrum in Berbice. They came out to enjoy the day at the Botanical Gardens with their close family and friends.
They were busy rocking to relaxing music when the newspaper popped up to speak with one Cordell Batson out of the crew.
“I think Easter is one of the best holidays on the Christian calendar. It is a time where you spend time with your family as you reflect on what Jesus has done for us and all we can do is just celebrate. The spirit can be compared to none,” he said.
Meanwhile, Keisha Lester who sat with her daughter and husband enjoying a cool popsicle said that it was the second Easter Season that she got the chance to venture out into nature to spend the time with her family.
Similarly, Simon Andrews, who was out with his four young daughters and wife, said that the season is enjoyable because he gets to spend invaluable time with his loved ones.
“We’re always out here every Easter day and we bring our family and friends together. The thing I enjoy the most is to have food; have the kids around me because I don’t get to spend so much time with them because of work,” he said.
As the newspaper headed over to its next location, children were seen blowing bubbles; families were sharing food among themselves and many parents were seen teaching their children the art of kite-flying.
There were even folks from the Hindu and Muslim religion who sat down with their friends and family to enjoy the festive season.
It only took a short while for the newspaper to next arrive at the massive Sea Wall bordering the mighty Atlantic Ocean where Guyanese have come for decades to make use of the strong winds to fly their kites.
There was the smell of hot dogs; fish and chips and Barbecue chicken as many vendors took advantage of the opportunity to increase their sales for the day.
On the beach, a family of four stood readying the kids in the midst to fly their blue and pink kites.
“We’re about to fly our kites; eat some snacks and enjoy the day,” said Dexter Deflorimonte.
“We always come to the seawall. We love to see all the kites up in the air and everybody getting along with each other. I’m here with my wife and my lovely daughter and son.”
Of course, the day would not be complete without a stop-over at the National Park where the crowds were thick in comparison to other areas.
In addition to the other activities witnessed at the Botanical Gardens and Sea Wall, persons were seen relaxing in hammocks; children were enthralled by bouncy houses and trampolines and most definitely, scores of all types of kites polka-dotted the air.
In the middle of a big field in the Park, persons were captivated by an ongoing performance coming from the WIST Ministries International., a Christian group which specializes in various forms of the performing arts.
At the time the newspaper stopped by, a group of girls dressed in brown and white dresses were demonstrating, through dance, the saving grace of God to the song ‘Now Behold the Lamb’.
WIST’s Founder, Sandia Ramnarine, explained that it was the sixth year that WIST Ministries had decided to put on the show to remind Guyanese of the real reason for the season.
“What we do is truly art; we try to share with the public the meaning of Easter [which is] not just the picnicking and the kite-flying but also to remind people of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus,” she said.
A group of over 50 youths from various Christian denominations danced, performed dramatic pieces and mimed all with aim of introducing and reintroducing persons to Christ.
As the sun crept down, many families and groups of friends were still seen engaged in light conversations.
It rang true to the perspective that Guyanese relish the season for the joy it brings to share loving moments with families and friends and for the unifying effect is has on turning the minds of many to Christ.
