THIS weekend is possibly the first time in the history of Easter weekends that the streets of Georgetown have been so gloomy.

The Coronavirus pandemic has taken the joys of Easter away, especially for the children and families, who enjoy socialising and raising their kites in the afternoon sky, with the heavy- blowing seawall breeze.

In fact, the city seawall, where most persons would usually go, was a prohibited location to go this weekend. Members of the Guyana Police Force were seen patrolling the length of the seawall to ensure that persons adhere to the rules of staying away from public spaces.

Additionally, the National Park gates were closed, forcing persons to stay within their homes and communities.

The Guyana Chronicle drove around the city and communities, to see what alternative ways families have come up with to spend their Easter weekend.

Most of the streets were free of traffic and pedestrians, but in a few communities, mostly children, were seen raising their kites, while others were seen playing other games.

A group of children were seen in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, playing a game of cricket on their community ground, with their masks on.

Another small group of children were seen on the field alongside Laing Avenue, running, trying to raise their little kites. Their happy faces were testimony that they were enjoying themselves with the little freedom they got to go outside and play.

On the playfield on the backroad, two brothers were seen flying a kite. The elder brother said he just brought his little brother outside for a bit to fly the bird kite he was excited about. Last year, he was too small to fly and this year, he just wanted to give him that experience, and he enjoyed it.

At the other end of the same field, a lone man was trying to raise his kite. He said that he spent 41 years in the US and kite flying is something he truly enjoyed but never really got to do in the US because of the difference in culture.

He is a bit saddened that this year’s Easter was cancelled due to the coronavirus, however, he was determined to raise a kite this year. So he went on the field alone in his area, and flew the kite for some time, then he went back home.

Other children were seen running with siblings and friends, riding, scooting, and playing other games in their yards and on the street.