President Bharrat Jagdeo did not spend Easter Monday flying a kite as is the tradition; but he did take time off to mingle with those who were very much a part of the Eater Monday excitement.
Late in the afternoon the Head of State travelled to Hope Beach on the East Coast of Demerara where Guyanese from near and far converged in their thousands to enjoy the day with family and friends, music, food and the customary kite flying. Hope beach was packed to capacity and was among many open air locations earmarked for the annual Easter Kite flying competition and beach jams.
The location was chosen for the Chutney beach jam and was given a facelift for the occasion through the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, the Regional Democratic Council and Neighbourhood Democratic Council, and promoters Lynton Luke and Tameshwer Narine.
Among the preparations for the event was the rehabilitation of a bridge with the addition of eight more 2 x 4 planks and rails built near the Hope koker and the installation of lavatory facilities.
The clean up campaign however, took into consideration the importance of keeping the mangroves intact as they serve as a key component in sea defence.
All systems were in place when the President visited, meeting patrons with hugs and hand shakes.
The President then returned to the city and headed for the National Park which was another hive of Easter excitement with picnicking and kite flying. The Head of State journeyed the entire National Park on foot, greeting delighted holiday-makers.
In his Easter message to the nation, President Jagdeo had reminded all to celebrate with a buoyant spirit that reinforces the bonds of family, friendship and community, reinforce the values of self- sacrifice, compassion, love, forgiveness and reconciliation that are so central to the Easter story.
Easter, to the Christian community, signifies the Resurrection of Jesus; and according to President Jagdeo, it is a reminder to believers of the redeeming and reconciling qualities of self-sacrifice and an affirmation that despair is overcome by love.(GINA)