Hope Beach aburst with kite fliers, picnic revelers
--- President joins them in walkabout
by Michel Outridge
Guyana Chronicle
April 13, 2004
President Bharat Jagdeo visited Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara yesterday where he spent Easter Monday afternoon interacting with many people, including children, who had pitched tents and were flying kites.
The President, accompanied by finance Minister Saisenarine Kowlessar, Advisor for Investment Maniram Prashad and Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba, spent his time at Hope Beach on a walkabout, meeting and chatting with people who were certainly in the Easter celebration mood.
The turnout was very impressive. People lined the beach with their kites, leaving little empty space for "late comers."
The sky was alight with an amazing array of kites of different colours, sizes and shapes. Just about everyone was occupied - either flying kites, reveling with drinks, food and music and making, renewing or developing acquaintances, while some children engaged in swimming.
The President and his team visited several tents and took photographs with revelers and people who were out to picnic with their families.
He met Cryus in his tent, he had his tapir tied and lying on the ground, this attracted a large crowd.
There were also several food bars, beverage stands, and games' corners where songs of popular artistes blared from several boom boom boxes.
The President met Soca Monarch and Mighty Rebel (Godfrey Phillips), with whom he chatted for a few minutes.
When asked by the Mighty Rebel the nature of the President's visit, the Guyanese Leader replied that he was there to meet his people, play a friendly game of cricket and chat with the many children.
President Jagdeo also had a chance to hold the smallest kite which is owned by Lionel Crandon and the most unusual kite, a boat kite which was beautifully decorated with bright colours by Vin.
The President stopped to pay special attention to the children who were eager to have their photographs taken with him
Many people welcomed the President's walkabout at Hope Beach yesterday, saying they were touched by the fact that such a busy person could find it possible to share a few moments of relaxation and leisure with them.