-Female kite-makers showcase their work on the ‘West Side’

By Trina Williams
WHAT is Easter without the sweet smell of hot cross buns emanating from kitchens across the nation? What is a Guyanese Easter without families flocking the Georgetown seawall looking for a spot with sufficient breeze to “raise” their kites?

With Easter upon us, Guyanese people are anxious to resume the activities that the infamous corona virus had disrupted.

It is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead three days after he was crucified.

As one walks down Camp Street and sees the assortment of kites on display, we must thank our local kite-makers for preserving the craft.

This year, the Pepperpot Magazine visited Region Three, to see how the ‘West Side’ does kite- making.

Despite being a male-dominated field, this publication discovered women thriving and leading the way with precision and creativity. In fact, as soon as you hit the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, an array of multi-coloured kites of all sizes catches your eye before anything else.

For Carlotta Peters, the Easter holiday is more than just a time to market kites or turn a profit.

This Crane Village resident, who has been selling kites for more than 20 years, shared with this publication that she and her husband have been working together to create and sell kites at different locations along the West Coast.

Peters continued, saying that she gradually developed a love for the craft, found fulfilment in it, and now treasures it more than ever.

In addition, she got to spend time with her sister, Joanna Payne, and brother, Joshua Payne, as they playfully chatted with her at the booth while greeting customers.

The Crane Village resident noted that she is thankful for everything because the fear-filled atmosphere of the pandemic prevented this kind of enjoyment for many.

While it is well known that the corona virus had disrupted various activities, Peters provided additional details on how it slowed down her kite-making, since demands were few. Even though many people were unable to go out in public to enjoy a true Guyanese Easter, she would make special orders for those who wanted to fly kites in their backyards with their families.
Despite the fact that Peters is very modest about her trade, the sheer number of years that she has been in the industry shows she is an expert.

Who would not want a kite that was carefully and authentically made? How often have you been to the Georgetown Seawall and witnessed individuals battling to raise their kites? A kite is made to fly, so it needs to be treated like a piece of art. Whether the tail is too long or short, the loop is not set properly, or the kite is poorly designed are signs of a kite that was simply not made properly.

Peters also acknowledged that although making kites is tedious, she finds fulfilment in seeing children’s smiles.
“To the end, we want children to be satisfied and happy,” she stated.

Patience is key
Thirty-seven-year-old Shenisa Rawlins, who has been making kites for 16 years, has made a name for herself in the kite-making field. What started as a hobby slowly developed into a passion for Rawlins, as she admitted that at first, she was not keen on pursuing it entirely, but now, she does it for people.

While it is just once a year, Rawlins noted that she gives it her all to make kites for people of all ages to love and enjoy.

Also, as people flocked to her stall in search of the perfect kite, patrons shared in an invited comment with this publication that she takes pride in her work and they admire her kites.

Nobody wants to show up on Easter Day with a kite that can’t ‘raise,’ so Rawlins explained to the Pepperpot Magazine the three elements that are essential to creating a successful kite.

She emphasised the importance of focus, saying that getting the kite “right” requires concentration, because mastering the craft is a discipline.

Because family is a top priority regardless of the season, Rawlins makes an effort to spend time with her daughter on special occasions and days when she is out selling kites.

Additionally, her 15-year-old daughter shared with this newspaper that in addition to helping her mother, she also makes a few kites on her own.