EASTER in Guyana, as in several other countries, is observed by a period of fasting, going to church and the flying of kites. It is also about the Easter Bunny, colourfully decorated eggs, the baking of hot cross buns on Holy Thursday and church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Easter Monday is reserved for kite-flying and other forms of revelry. In Guyana, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays which add to mood of joy and festivity.

Easter is indeed one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After his crucifixion, death and burial, he rose three days later from the grave which, according to the Holy Books, redeemed mankind from sin.

Easter this year has taken on a special significance, given the muted observances over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is reflected in the record number of kite-flying activities and the thousands of Guyanese who take to the seawalls, beaches and other public spaces to fly kites and participate in the festivities.

For many Guyanese, Easter is more than the religious significance associated with the festival. Kite-flying is fun for adults and children and a wonderful way for families and friends to get together, picnic-style. To a large extent, it is a display of our multi-culturalism and religious diversity which has now become a defining characteristic of our ethno-cultural landscape.

Guyana is today a model of religious and cultural diversity. There is a high degree of religious tolerance, something that cannot be said for several other countries where there are religious and other forms of persecution. Unfortunately, this year’s celebrations are taking place when there is a debilitating situation in Ukraine where thousands of lives have been lost, millions of people displaced and billions of dollars in damage to property and infrastructure. There is also hunger and malnutrition in several parts of the world due to a combination of conflicts, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s Easter observances in Guyana come at a time when there was a convergence of the fasting period of all three of the major religions in Guyana, namely Christianity, Islam and Hinduism as manifested in Lent, Ramadan and Navratri. This unique convergence has not gone unnoticed by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who declared a National Day of Fasting and Prayers on April 8 in which Guyanese from all walks of life and from all religious faiths participated.

President Ali has said that the occasion provided an opportunity for persons to join with each other to promote the spirit of togetherness. He exhorted all Guyanese “to fast together, pray together and stay together as ‘ One Guyana.”

As the saying goes, a nation that prays together stays together and this is one of the main thrusts of the ‘One Guyana’ concept as envisioned by President Ali. This idea of ‘oneness’ transcends the narrow confines of race and politics and has resonated with the vast majority of Guyanese.

Easter in Guyana this year has found the country on the cusp of major transformation and modernisation. The Guyana economy is soaring to new heights due in large measure to our oil-and-gas resources, which has undoubtedly given the economy a big lift. For this, we have to be thankful even as we remain humble and optimistic that our better days are still ahead of us.

President Ali in his Easter message has extended blissful greetings to all Guyanese. According to the President, Easter radiates hope and happiness; it is a special time for families and friends — kite-flying, outdoor picnics, family get-togethers, the Bartica Regatta and the Rupununi Rodeo — all form part of our traditional observances and a fun-filled Easter weekend.

As observed by President Ali, “amidst all the happiness that Easter brings, let us remain careful and responsible in all that we do. Let us also be mindful of our brothers and sisters, especially those who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Let us be the shoulder upon which they can rest their cares, the arms that embrace them in love; the hands that reach out to support them; and the smile that reminds all that life’s joys and gifts are always meant to be shared.”

These are deeply profound words that connect with all Guyanese, especially those who subscribe to the teachings of Jesus Christ whose life and teachings exemplify the principles of humility, caring, sharing and human sacrifice.

Guyana, indeed the world at large, is a better place because of the embrace of the teachings of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who has demonstrated that faith in a nobler cause can literally move mountains. As we seek to advance our own society, let us draw inspiration from the universal teachings and lessons of Easter and rise above the challenges that confront us as we seek to create a new Guyana based on the ‘One Guyana’ concept.