“Together, we can rise” – Pres Ali in Easter message

– PM says everyone can embrace Easter’s message of love, grace, and unity

Recognising that Easter inspires unshakable hope, and renews faith, President Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded calls for all Guyanese to unite as the country undergoes transformation that seeks to ensure shared prosperity for everyone.
In his Easter 2025 Message to the Nation, the Head of State noted that Easter is not simply a holy day on the Christian calendar but it is the defining moment of Christian belief—the victory of life over death and of hope over despair.
The message of Easter is one of ultimate triumph and it is this belief, he said, that inspires unshakable hope, renews faith, and calls on the faithful to live lives marked by love, sacrifice, and compassion.
“And so, Easter is a time of great rejoicing— a time to lift up hearts in praise, a time to reflect deeply on the power of renewal, and a time to embrace the promise of better days… Let this Easter not only be a season of celebration, but a time of reflection and rededication. Together, we can rise,” the President stated.
In Guyana, he outlined that Easter is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural tradition embraced by all — Christians and non-Christians alike. Across this beautiful country, the Guyanese leader noted that families gather, children fly colourful kites, and communities come alive with the sights and sounds of joy.
“Easter in Guyana is a season of happiness. We fly our kites high to remind ourselves of the risen Christ. We picnic with loved ones in the spirit of unity and togetherness. We cheer on the excitement of the Lethem Rodeo and delight in the fun of the Bartica Regatta. Our beaches, parks, and open spaces become arenas of laughter, music, and merriment. Yes —Easter in Guyana is special,” he declared.

But even as citizens celebrate and revel in the joy of the season, President Ali implored them not to forget the importance of safety. Whether they are on the road, at the river, in the hinterland, or in the heart of Georgetown, he urged persons to be careful, respectful and look out for one another.
“A joyful people must also be a responsible people. Let us seek to use our roads and waterways in a safe manner,” he added.
The Head of State went on to urge Guyanese to also continue cultivating the values that hold them together: love for neighbour, kindness in action, and respect for differences.
“These are the values that have sustained us through both good and bad times. These are the values that will carry us forward. For in our diversity, we find our strength. And in our unity, we find our power.”
“Let this Easter be a reminder that we are all part of one great Guyanese family — one people, one nation, with one destiny. Regardless of our faith, our background, or our geography, we all want a better future for our children, our families, and our country,” he stated.

According to President Ali, that future is within reach. He said as a nation, Guyanese are moving steadily and confidently toward the goal of shared prosperity. But he noted that prosperity must be more than wealth — it must be peace of mind, dignity in living, fairness in opportunity, and hope in every household.
“That kind of prosperity comes not just from economic growth, but from social cohesion — from the everyday choices we make to treat one another with dignity and care. So, as we fly our kites and share our meals, as we worship in our churches and relax on our beaches, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude — and with a renewed commitment to building a Guyana that is safe, strong, and united.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and myself and family, I wish peace, love, and joyful fellowship to all during this Easter season,” the President stated.
Embracing the Easter message
Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, also extended heartfelt greetings to all across Guyana and in the diaspora during this sacred Easter season.
He said Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith; a time when the suffering, crucifixion, and triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is remembered. According to the PM, Christ’s victory over death is the ultimate promise of hope, redemption and new life, while also reminding that no matter how great the darkness, the light of God’s love will always prevail.
“This holy season calls us to reflect deeply on Christ’s example of selflessness, forgiveness, and endless compassion. These are universal principles that continue to guide and strengthen us as a people,” Phillips noted.
The Prime Minister added that in Guyana, Easter is celebrated with deep faith and vibrant tradition. He said churches echo with prayers of thanksgiving while families gather in fellowship, and the skies are filled with colourful kites.
Each one of these precious practices, PM Phillips noted, is a joyful symbol of Christ’s ascension, and the shared hope for renewal.
“It is a time to renew our commitment to one another, to our communities, and to our country. As Christians reflect on the resurrection and its promise of eternal life, all of us — regardless of faith — can embrace the Easter message of love, grace, and unity,” he stated.
The PM went on to urge Guyanese to use this season to reach out with generosity, to lift up the vulnerable, and to be instruments of peace in their homes and communities.
“In so doing, we honour our faith and our responsibility to one another as citizens of this blessed country. May the risen Christ fill your hearts with peace and renewed purpose. Happy Easter, and may God continue to bless Guyana,” PM Phillips noted.