Christ’s resurrection reminds that despair is never the final word – PM Phillips

Remarks by THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER BRIGADIER MARK PHILLIPS ON THE OCCASION OF EASTER 2026

Fellow Guyanese,

As we gather in 2026 to observe the sacred season of Easter, l extend warm greetings to every household across Guyana and to our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.

Easter is observed as one of the most auspicious and reverent occasions on the Christian Calendar because of its significance. It is the unfolding of a story that speaks about sacrifice. We are taught of the solemn moments of the Last Supper, where Christ broke bread with those who would soon doubt and betray him, to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He wrestled with anguish, to the cross, where He chose forgiveness even while suffering.

The story of Easter does not shy away from the reality of hardship, yet it does not end there. And even as the story goes beyond His death, so, too, are we reminded through Christ’s resurrection that despair is never the final word.

Our world today can often feel uncertain and divided and in those moments, it is the lessons of the Easter story that call us back to values of faith and compassion. Despite the cruelty meted out to Him, Christ chose to respond in grace rather than spite and vengeance and that choice remains one of the greatest lessons we can carry into our daily lives.

Here in Guyana, we hold tightly to our traditions because they ground us as one people. Easter is one of those moments when faith and culture meet in a unique way. Our churches fill with prayer and reflection and across our open spaces and seawalls, the skies come alive with kites in the thousands- a rare occurrence in other parts of the world.

Those kites are a symbol of Christ’s resurrection as well as the spirit of the Guyanese people who understand that hope, much like those kites, must always keep US elevated one purpose. Generation after generation, we pass down this tradition because it represents our Guyanese identity.

As we reflect on the message of Easter this year, I urge that we also look inward at how we treat one another, how we serve our communities, and how we respond when faced with challenges. The resurrection calls us to rebuild where there is brokenness and to stand firm in hope when circumstances test us. This season is also an opportunity for renewal of our commitment to building a stronger, more united Guyana.

So, may this Easter remind us that even in our most difficult moments, there is always the possibility of new direction and new beginnings.

May the risen Christ guide our hearts and bless our beautiful country.

Happy Easter, and may God continue to bless Guyana