MIAMI – With a feeling of optimism and hope, Jamaicans in the Diaspora joined the millions of persons last Tuesday (Jan. 20) witnessing the Inauguration of Barack Obama as first African American President of the United States.
Jamaican nationals flocked to designated venues, in libraries, homes, restaurants and offices as they watched the ceremony with other citizens across the world.
Jamaican national, Dale Holness, Commissioner of Lauderhill spoke of his experience with other Jamaicans being a part of the nearly two million crowd embracing history in Washington that day.
Commissioner Holness told JIS that the occasion signifies total upliftment of all people, adding that President Obama’s rise “demonstrates that a child from an immigrant background from Jamaica can certainly aspire.”
Consul General Sandra Grant-Griffiths also said expressed elation, as she personally felt privileged to witness at close hand the dawning of a new era for America.
In a statement, Mrs. Grant-Griffiths continued that “the hope and anticipation being expressed at every turn is 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, 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 and to advance our national interest.”
As Jamaican nationals continue to share their emotions they still flock to the radio airwaves daily to voice their support. Radio journalists, Winston Barnes and Roy Miller, of WAVS and WDJA radio stations respectively, both summed up the experience of Jamaican nationals as positive, practical and patient as they too are optimistic about change.
Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board representative to the Southern USA, Marlon Hill, also expressed his support for unity, indicating that the election and inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th President of the USA is a testimony to the fact that what we do collectively is far more extraordinary than what we do 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 added.
