As Guyanese from all walks of life celebrate the holiday weekend, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said the exuberant occasion of Easter radiates hope and happiness.
In his Easter message, the Head of State extended blissful greetings to all Guyanese.
President Dr Irfaan Ali greeting worshippers at the Lifespring Ministries at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday after its Good Friday service
“For Christians, Easter radiates hope and happiness. Christians believe that Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, but that He rose from the dead. Christ’s Resurrection goes to the very core of Christianity, and it is therefore central to the Christian faith. It is a time when they gather to reflect on the life and guiding principles of Jesus Christ.”
According to the President, this guidance is found in the church. He believes that the church plays an integral part in any society.
“In the development of any society, the church is a solid foundation on which important principles rest. Principles of justice, peace, tolerance, patience, obedience, faith, and hope all rest on the foundation of the church, and it is the church that must demonstrate the strength of this foundation.”
President Ali has said that at this special time, when Christians rejoice in the Risen Christ, the message of Easter continues to bring hope and warmth to our hearts. He said the Easter message reminds people that although life has its ups and downs, hope is never extinguished, and life’s joys always return.
“Life’s joys are meant to be shared… Worthy of note is that the Easter weekend activities celebrate our oneness. The joy of Easter is to be found in families coming together, in the company of friends, and in the smiles and happy faces of Guyanese. Easter brings us together, and it brings out the best in all of us,” he said.
Further, he said Easter is a jubilant period in Guyana, adding that it is also a special time for families and friends to engage in kite-flying, outdoor picnics and family get-togethers. The Bartica Regatta and the Rupununi Rodeo all form part of traditional observances and a fun-filled Easter weekend.
Dr Ali reminded that, over the past two years, Easter activities were severely curtailed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he noted this year’s Easter finds Guyana and its people in better shape.
“Normalcy and recovery are slowly returning. The pews of our churches will be filled this year; families will gather together, kites will once again take to the skies, and Guyanese will return to the open areas for their traditional Easter fun-filled activities,” he predicted.
However, the President has said that amidst all the happiness that Easter brings, persons are reminded to be careful and responsible in all that they 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 hand that reaches out to support them; and the smile that reminds all that life’s joys and gifts are always meant to be shared! So, as we celebrate today in faith, in belief, and in hope, let us renew our spirits,” he advised.
“Let us renew ourselves and our commitment to each other, to the church, to our communities, and to humanity. And my prayers are that, together, we can accomplish the task of fulfilling our mandate in this earthly place, and leaving a legacy that those who come after us finds inspirational. A Happy and Holy Easter to all!”
