TODAY, Guyanese from all walks of life would not be celebrating Easter as they have traditionally done in the years prior to the advent of the COVID-19 in Guyana.
Since the detection of the first case of the virus in Guyana, life has changed with emphasis being placed on safety against its contraction and spread. By virtue of the safety measures in place, national holidays are also being observed or celebrated differently, Easter included.
Easter, though having a deep religious significance, is traditionally a day for family outing in Guyana, when the beaches and open spaces are crowded with kite-flyers and merrymakers.
The occasion is a colourful spectacle with kites of all shapes and sizes dotting the skies, families enjoying a picnic on the beach or in the parks and old friends catching up on past events and current happenings.

Over the years, some traditions of Easter have changed. Today, many opt for the Chinese-made kites and the local, ready-made ones available at shops and popular road corners.
The practice of children running in the streets and school compounds with ‘caddy ole’ punches,’ which are kites made with ‘pointers’ from the coconut brooms and the leaf of an exercise book, one week before Easter, has virtually disappeared. The age-old ritual of fathers making kites for their children, or big brothers and big sisters leading late-night kite projects for their younger siblings hardly happens nowadays.
A vast majority of young kite-flyers today probably never heard about gamma cherry, a pale yellow, sticky wild berry that was used years ago to paste the coloured papers to the frame of the kite.

These were an integral part of the Guyanese Easter experience many moons ago, which every child growing up looked forward to; today, they still look forward to Easter, even though things have changed.
While attention is largely placed on the festivities of Easter, the religious side of the festival is very much alive in the various denominations of the Christian community.
On Sunday, Christians as well as non-Christians gather at the various churches, religiously, to reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord and Saviour of Mankind, according to the Bible, the Holy Book of Christianity.
Jesus, as narrated in the New Testament, was falsely accused of treason and brutally put to death by the hands of Romans, who nailed Him to a cross beside two convicts. The crucifixion of Jesus is observed on Good Friday and perhaps is one of the most solemn and holiest days in the Christian calendar.

According to the Holy Scripture, Jesus was subsequently taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb and rose from death on the third day, which is observed as Resurrection Day by Christians.
The life of Jesus exemplifies love, tolerance and respect, and as such it has an appeal that is universal in nature or, in other words, it resonates with Christians and non-Christians alike.
Here in Guyana, aside from the festivities and religious observances, Easter is an occasion that unites Guyanese regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity and political affiliations.
The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ tells a story of hope and the celebration of victory over evil.

The lessons on the life of Jesus and the story of His Resurrection are very much relevant to everyday life and Guyana as a whole. The values of love, selfless action, tolerance and righteousness are all worthy of emulation by all Guyanese and are vital in building a united, prosperous and principled society of honourable men and women.
As indicated earlier in this editorial, Easter celebrations will not be the same as in the years prior to COVID-19, as steps have been taken to protect citizens from the virus.

These include churches not having above 40 per cent occupancy and should utilise outdoor spaces where available. Persons are also encouraged to observe Easter activities within their home circles. Large gatherings are prohibited and Easter activities in public spaces such as parks, creeks, lakes, beaches and resorts are also strictly prohibited.
As we celebrate Easter today, let us strive to walk in the path of the Lord, and given the prevailing environment, pay due attention to the national guidelines to ensure our individual safety, the safety of our families and the safety of our friends.
A happy Easter to all.