America chooses its first Black President

Barack Obama, who will become the 44th President of the United States, had drawn support in his election campaign from many Caribbean nationals who now call the US home.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States, November 5, 2008 - Caribbean nationals at home and in the United States were among the millions who celebrated as Barrack Obama broke through racial barriers and created history by becoming the first black American president.

As his victory, predicted by numerous polls leading up to yesterday’s election, became a reality around 11 pm EST, supporters in the US as well as other parts of the world erupted in shouts and screams.

And while his main focus was on warning Americans that it would be a difficult road ahead and urging them all – Democrats and Republicans – to come together for the benefit of the country, he also spoke to those across the globe who were glued to television sets and radio in anticipation of the historic occurrence.

“To all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand,” he said.

“To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”

Mr Obama, who will become the 44th President of the United States, had drawn support in his election campaign from many Caribbean nationals who now call the US home.

They turned out in huge numbers earlier in the day to cast their vote in order to become part of history: “Nothing in my whole life in America has been as stirring to me as seeing this man emerge,” said Guyanese Ron Lammy who lives in Boston.

While largely ignored by the mainstream and candidates, Caribbean-Americans are regarded as a small but significant segment within the overall African-American or black population.