Jamaicans in the Diaspora Celebrate USA Presidential History

Jamaicans in the Diaspora joined the millions of persons last Tuesday (Jan. 20) celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama, as the first African American President of the United States.
They flocked designated venues, libraries, homes, restaurants and offices sharing the historic occasion with other citizens from around the world.
Jamaican Dale Holness, Commissioner of Lauderhill, spoke of his experience with other Jamaicans who were part of the nearly two million people embracing history in Washington that day.
Commissioner Holness told JIS News, that the occasion signified total upliftment of all people. He added that President Obama’s rise to the office “demonstrates that a child from an immigrant background from Jamaica can certainly aspire.”
Consul General Sandra Grant-Griffiths also expressed elation. She personally felt privileged to witness, at close hand, the dawning of a new era for America.
In a statement, Mrs. Grant-Griffiths said that, “the hopes and anticipation being expressed at every turn are invigorating. This is an example of a nation now seriously engaged in reinventing itself to meet the challenges of the times.
“Importantly, it signifies the possibility of new models and levels of political cooperation between the USA and developing countries, especially those of the Caribbean.
“In this regard, I echo the sentiments of both our Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, and our Ambassador to the USA, His Excellency Anthony Johnson, who have spoken to Jamaica’s intent to seize the opportunity to work closely with the new administration to advance our national interest.”
Jamaicans continue to share their emotions by flocking the radio airwaves daily to voice their support.
Broadcasters Winston Barnes and Roy Miller, of WAVS and WDJA radio stations, respectively, summed up the experience as “positive and practical”, adding that they too are optimistic about change.
Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board representative to the Southern USA, Marlon Hill, also expressed his support and indicated that the election and inauguration of Obama, as the 44th President of the USA, was a testimony to the fact that what is done collectively is far more extraordinary than what is done separately.
“This is a great time to be a global citizen in the Diaspora and to celebrate the ‘American’ in our hyphenated existence as persons of Jamaican descent,” he said.