By La’Wanda McAllister
The tradition of kite flying in Guyana is second to none because of the pride that goes with kites during the Easter season. Around this time, kites are the star of the show. Not just any kite, but the traditional Guyanese kite better known as the “star point kite” or the “singing engine kite”. 
John Beckles, who made kites throughout his childhood, went through the steps with the Sunday Times on how to make the famous “star point kite”.
According to Beckles, you first gather your materials. These are softwood, small pieces of bamboo, nails, kite paper or greaseproof paper, paste or “gamma” cherry, a mini saw, thread, twine, and scissors.
Once you have gotten your materials, you then nail the pieces of softwood together and then cut them to the size that best suits you. Following that step, you then use your mini saw and make grooves to the end of each piece of wood to put your thread. Adding the thread to the wood will then frame the kite and give it a star shape.
Small holes are then made at the top and bottom of each piece of wood. According to Beckles, this will help to support the top half of the kite and will be the areas where the twine and tail of the kite will be added.
A shorter piece of wood will then be nailed to the framed kite, giving it more shape to the front. Pieces of bamboo will then be cut into thin pieces so that they will be flexible enough to bend without breaking. The thin piece of bamboo is then placed at the front top half of the kite, giving it a round shape to the front.
After completing this step, the “most difficult part”, according to Beckles, is making a star on the kite.
This step is done using the thread, wrapping it around the inner part of the framed kite in the shape of a star. You then use your glue or gamma cherry and place it on all of the twine and thread.
After this, you use your kite paper or greaseproof paper, and place it on the frame of the kite. This part also requires a lot of patience, according to Beckles. The inner star is first covered.
Using a razor blade, you then cut out the excess pieces, and then cover the outer parts of the kite using more kite paper. The wings of the kite are then added. This better known as the “frills”.
According to the kite maker, it is added at the side of the kite and helps to balance the kite when it is in the air.
Twine is then added in the holes that were previously made on the kite, and then loops are made. According to Beckles, this requires precision because it determines if the kite will balance or fly.
Following this step, what is called a “tongue” is then added to the kite to make it sing when it is in the air. A tail made from cloth or rope and extra twine making a “baller” is then added.
After that, your “star point” kite is finished and ready to fly.
Just after demonstrating to the Sunday Times how this Guyanese traditional kite is made, Beckles gave some tips that will ensure you have the perfect “star point” kite.
“The weight of the wood is very important. It has to be light wood or the kite will not fly. You also have to ensure that the head [the front of the kite] is not too big and bulky because that too can add weight and the kite will not fly. Be careful also with the size of the twine and the tail because that too will add weight to the kite and it will not fly,” he said.
Kite flying in Guyana continues to be the hallmark of Easter, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see kites dotting the sky.
Its significance ranges beyond the religious scope and has now become a Guyanese culture for the young and old to participate in. In fact, Easter is a time when the entire country is buzzing with excitement and people from all walks of life culminate to engage in the festivities. From big ones to plastic “bird” kites, there is always something for everyone and the holiday has formed part of the unifying fabric in Guyana.
