Guyanese yesterday turned out in their numbers to celebrate Phagwah without the worry of COVID-19 restrictions.
As is customary, there were celebrations in communities across the country, while several events that were also organised saw scores of persons and then some in attendance.
There were over a 1,000 persons gathered at the Providence National Stadium, where the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport hosted the Guyana Phagwah Festival.
Although the poster for the free event indicated that persons would have to provide their vaccination and ID cards to enter, it was not a requirement that was being enforced when this newspaper visited the venue. Those wearing masks were few.
Many persons told this newspaper that they were grateful that the mask mandate and the proof of vaccine requirements had been abandoned.
One of them, Michael (only name given), said he was extremely happy that the country had gone back to some sort of normalcy. “I am happy that all the COVID restrictions gone because is like the country gone back to normal, so we can now enjoy we self,” he stated.
Similar sentiments were shared by Kimberley, who said she felt that with the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions, Guyanese were once again able to celebrate as one. “Today we celebrating as one since all them COVID regulations gone,” she said.
In Region Two, persons were seen in the streets from early morning with their water guns and buckets drenching each other in observance of the Hindu festival.
Celebrations commenced in the region as early as 05:00 hrs with mandir members visiting the site where the Holika was burnt. The ashes were taken and was used to smear each other faces.
Phagwah services were held at various temples, where Chowtaal and Holi renditions were done.
There was also a celebration organised by the High Commission of India at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, which saw the participation of President Irfaan Ali, members of government and foreign dignitaries, as well as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Holi Utsav at the Everest Ground.
Ali and First Lady Arya Ali also hosted a Holi dinner on Thursday evening at State House, where several government members and foreign dignitaries were in attendance.
President Ali on Monday approved an announced rollback of COVID-19 restrictions on social activities and distancing, while also making the wearing of masks in public spaces optional.
The new guidelines make no mention of restrictions on social activities and only provide protocols for handwashing and sanitation at businesses, where employees, customers and visitors “are encouraged to wear face masks.” The same provisions also apply to places of worship.
“Wearing a face mask is not mandatory but in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, persons are encouraged to wear a face mask when the person is in public,” the new guidelines state.
The decision came in wake of a steep decline in new COVID-19 infections and deaths over the past month.
