Sixty-year-old Trevor Smith of William Street, Campbellville, Georgetown is what one would refer to as a veteran kite maker.
Stabroek News caught up with him at his usual place of business just next to Republic Bank on Camp Street, in downtown Georgetown. He told this newspaper that he has been selling hand-made kites for 44 years and it has been a success. “Even though I have a grocery shop that I run from my home, making kites is like my job and I love it.”
This vibrant and talented man makes on average, 1,000 kites per year, but this year he has made approximately 1,500 kites due to the high demand from last year which he termed “the best kite year.” “Remember COVID came and put everything on hold, so last year when everybody turn out for the holiday, I sold them out fast so I made extra this year because I know this Easter will be bigger and energetic.” he said. Smith related that Easter is the most joyous and wonderful time of the year for him as he recalled making his first kite at the tender age of six. The first kite he made was out of ‘pointer’ [coconut leaf spine], normal kite paper, paste and at that time is was called “Caddy old punch.”
He noted that as the Easter season steps in the prices of his kites have increased a little (but not too extravagantly) due to the rising prices of the materials needed. “The price for them materials are sky high right now, wood, paste, polythene, but the paste are out of stock.” He disclosed that he had to order his paste online since it’s not currently available in Guyana. The kites he has in stock are, Barbados, Star Point, Six Pointed Star and many more.
Smith also took the opportunity to urge parents and children to fly their kites in an open and safe environment and avoid direct contact with any electrical poles or wires.
