Stabroek News
April 17, 2001

Easter Monday festivities got off to a late start yesterday. For most of the morning, families were not out in their numbers as on previous Easter Mondays. But as the day wore on a significant number of persons around the city and on the outskirts of Georgetown emerged out to fly their kites.

Kite flying is traditional around this time. Easter is the season when Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. A launched kite is said to signify the resurrection.

Some blamed the small turn out on the present political unrest in the country pointing out that persons might have been afraid to venture out, especially those living out of town.

Stabroek News travelled as far as the University of Guyana (UG) yesterday and even though there were not many persons, those that were out appeared to be having a lot of fun.

The humming of the many kites in the air and the joyous laughter of little children was like soothing music to the ear.

On the East Coast Demerara persons picnicked in the empty plots on the main road, putting up small makeshift sheds to protect themselves from the glaring sun.

Mothers and fathers could be seen trying to assist impatient little children to get their kites in the air.

As usual the UG students held their Academic Freedom fun day which is suppose to be a day of fun and a night of partying. There were not many persons in the UG compound in the afternoon, but many persons were heard making plans to attend the night session, which is mostly for the young.

In the Botanical Gardens picnickers could be seen having great fun also and as the afternoon wore on many persons made their way into the garden and steady intervals.

Many kites were not in the air in the garden because of the numerous trees found in the area.

The two most popular places on Easter Monday - the Seawall and the National Park - had the largest number of persons.

In the park there was a variety of games being played. But cricket was the most played game.

The colourful attire of the people in the park, barbecue chicken and other spicy dishes added to the atmosphere. Persons could be seen hungrily digging into plates of food.

Those who were not in the kite flying and games mood were seen sitting on vehicles jigging to whatever music belted out from the sound system of the vehicle as they took sips from the bottles or cups in their hands.

On the seawall the kites were out in their numbers and children could be seen running around in glee. Parents lazed around as they kept a watchful eye on the young ones.

All of the grounds on Carifesta Avenue were occupied.

Most persons out said they were having a lot of fun and said those at home did not know what they were missing.