Caribbean: Hail to the Chief-Elect!

Years from now, people around the globe will remember where they were on November 4, 2008. Barack Obama is the President-elect of the United States – and Americans are not the only ones celebrating! Warm Caribbean congratulations keep pouring in…

Letters from Grenada, who was liveblogging the election, is thrilled at the results:

11:51 PM: It’s over. Wow. Thank you, California. Wow. Wow.

Blogging from Jamaica, miss mel comments:

You've finally realised as a group (in your 44th presidential race) that women and minorities (maybe I should just tie that up and say marginalised groups) have front line potential.

Fellow Jamaican Stunner waxes a bit more poetic:

So much persons in the US, in Europe and in the Caribbean was hoping and keeping their finger crossed that Obama would carry home the victory. It's almost unheard of, a non-white being elected as the president of the united states of America!

The issue should be who is best suited for the job and not the colour of ones skin, but one cannot help but to feel proud that a black man has accomplished what most if not all of us felt was impossible… well until now.

I am not into politics, but I can't help feeling overwhelmed with emotions after witnessing such a great historic moments. Congratulations Barack Obama!!!

But Stunner admits there are a few unknowns:

This is just the beginning though, there is a lot of work at hand for the new president. The American economy, the world economy, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the environment and international relations. What does his victory mean for us in the Caribbean? Will we benefit form Obama's victory? Will he truly make a good president? Will his policies make the world better? There are a lot more questions to be answered along with these and only time will tell.

The Devil Island, blogging from Bermuda, wanted to be the first web cartoonist to congratulate Obama on his historic win, while Barbados diaspora blogger Keltruth Corp says:

It did not take long tonight for Obama to build an insurmountable lead against McCain. I can get an early night’s sleep!

This will be a new era in World Politics, as the American political landscape becomes much more liberal and less militaristic.

The offshore industry in Barbados must have some concerns, as it will not be business as usual!

While some bloggers are already analysing what this could mean for the region, Trinidad and Tobago-based Liming House is still trying to grasp the significance of what just happened, saying simply:

Words fail.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines blogger Numalali says:

Barack Obama is an inspiration to all mankind. Well done my brother!

Vincentian compatriot Lullabies, Fairy Tales and other Self-Delusions adds:

America has spoken. The rest of us applaud their amazing decision.

1 comment

  • The greatest lesson for the world this morning is a long held American tradition in politics the day after a big election. Graciousness in defeat, and united in victory. America comes together, Democrats and Republicans, and supports its new President, wishing him well. Where else can this be so true?

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