IN keeping with Easter tradition, President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday visited Tiger Bay in Georgetown and Good Hope, East Coast Demerara where he distributed hundreds of kites to children.

The children lined up eagerly to collect their kites which brought smiles to their faces as each received their prized possession. Today, Easter Monday, they would join thousands of children and adults who will throng open spaces to fly their kites. Traditional areas for such activity include the National Park and the Georgetown Seawall.

It is expected that during this time thousands of kites will be seen in various colours in the skies. Distributing kites has become an annual activity for the Head of State and it can be recalled that in 2006, more than 1000 kites were distributed and in 2007 another large number to less fortunate children in areas such as Tiger Bay, Sophia, Non-Pariel and Coldingen.

Easter is a religious occasion to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the kites flying symbolise Jesus’ resurrection and his later ascent to Heaven.
Guyanese countrywide mark the occasion by converging at the beaches, seawalls, parks and other open areas for kite flying and picnics.

The crucifixion of Christ as told in the gospels was pronounced by Pontius Pilate, of the Roman Empire who condemned Jesus to death for his proclamation as the ‘Messiah’ or the Lord’s appointed one, and for preaching to the world that he is the Son of God who would bring deliverance to mankind Jesus was crucified on Mount Calvary, nailed to a cross where he endured inhumane suffering before he died and was buried in a sealed tomb. His miraculous Resurrection occurred three days after.