Opposition, caretaker Gov’t urge Guyanese not to lose hope in trying times

With this year’s Easter celebrations being curtailed by coronavirus (COVID-19), the major political parties have joined in urging Guyanese to draw inspiration from the meaning of Easter and not lose hope.

In its Easter Day message, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) noted that Easter is a very sacred time globally for Christians around the world. Not only does it mark the resurrection of Jesus, but it also provides important lessons.
“Easter provides many pertinent lessons for all humanity through its teachings of tolerance, humility, love and respect for others while offering an abundance of hope that one will rise despite being confronted with insurmountable challenges. It is that hope which gives meaningful purpose to all mankind for both personal and societal advancement,” the message read.

The PPP reminded that Easter this year comes at a time when the country is grappling with several challenges. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the attempts to trample on democracy even as the country is in limbo while it awaits election results to be declared after over a month.
“While our celebrations will be tempered by the troubling political environment and the precautions issued to combat COVID-19, we urge that our spirits not be dampened as we reflect on the significance and messages of Easter,”
The party also urged others to reflect on “the importance [Easter] can play in helping to realise universal peace and brotherhood among all. We encourage all to practice social distancing and desist from congregating in large numbers on Easter Monday.”

APNU/AFC
Meanwhile, caretaker President and leader of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) David Granger in his Easter message called the celebration the most important event in Christianity, since it is the core of Jesus’ message and his work on earth.

“The Holy Gospel recounts Jesus’s betrayal, arrest, trial, suffering, crucifixion, burial and glorious resurrection. It commemorates, also, the promise of the redemption of mankind through the sacrifice of his life. Jesus’s death was a source of great anguish for his disciples, who were plunged into deep despondency.”
“The promises of his ministry on earth seemed to be doomed; hopes were dashed; the prospects of proselytising the gentiles were halted. Jesus’s miraculous resurrection on the third day, at Easter, dispelled the darkness of despair and doubt. It reignited hope for the devout.”

He too alluded to the troubled circumstances that Easter 2020 is being held in, namely the coronavirus pandemic. And while the day should be a celebration of hope, some may not be feeling the Easter spirit.
“Easter this year, when kites should have been soaring in Guyanese skies and when families should have been outdoors picnicking and socialising with friends, most of us will remain indoors,” caretaker President Granger stated.
“Except for our country’s doctors, nurses and medical personnel and Police Officers and those involved in essential services, most of us will remain at home and in a subdued and reflective mood because of the threat of the formidable COVID-19 coronavirus disease.”

Urging the population not to lose hope, Granger said that Easter can reignite hope that Guyana will overcome COVID-19. He also urged persons to comply with directives handed down by the Public Health Ministry.
“The disease will prevail only if we lose hope and only if we fail to act responsibly. We must not submit to despair. Easter’s message reassures us that hope is inextinguishable. It reminds us of our duty to each other. It urges us to heed Jesus’s prescription to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”

“Easter reignites hope that the Guyanese people can, and will, overcome the COVID-19 coronavirus disease. Let us act responsibly in the days ahead and comply with the public health directives which are aimed at protecting all of us,” he said.