Caribbean nationals in NY look forward to Obama inauguration

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) Delivers Letters to the President from BELL Scholars from PS 316 and PS 398

NEW YORK, USA (CMC) - United States-based Caribbean nationals are eager to ensure they are not left out of today's historic swearing-in of the first black president of the US, for which a strong regional presence is expected.

In fact, many have already made the trek over to Washington from various parts of the metropolis for what has already been described as the largest presidential swearing-in ceremony in US history.

New York-based nationals who were unable to make the crossover to Washington say they still intend to participate. Some plan to follow the proceedings via television from their places of work, while others say they intend to stay home to view the history-making event, even though today is not a public holiday.

Obama is set to become the 44th President of the United States.

He is being sworn into office a day after the anniversary of the birth of America's pre-eminent civil rights activist, the late Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

The official theme of Obama's Inauguration will be "Renewing America's Promise". Nick Perry, a Jamaican-born New York State Assemblyman told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) yesterday that Obama has inspired Caribbean and other nationals to keep hope alive.

Perry, who represents the predominantly Caribbean 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said when Obama was elected on November 4, black people around the world became the "direct heirs of a glorious fortune".

"We became stakeholders in an America, which is now truly a nation for all the people, by all the people," he said. Perry also urged Caribbean nationals to remain optimistic in light of harsh economic times.

"While times may feel bleak, remember we do not have to be the same person tomorrow that we were today," he said. "And if anyone every doubts your resolve and optimism, just repeat to them that timeless creed that the next President of the United States Barack Obama so simply, yet eloquently stated, 'Yes, We Can'," he added.

Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke told CMC she has received hundreds of letters from young Caribbean students in Brooklyn to pass on to Obama.

In the letters themed, 'Mr. President, Your Story Is My Story', the students - who participate in the special BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) programme in Brooklyn - discussed how Obama's achievements have inspired them to follow in his footsteps and make the most of their lives.

"It is my honour to accept the BELL Scholar letters from the students of Public Schools 316 and 398 on behalf of President Barack Obama," said Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants.

"His election is truly historic," added Clarke, representative for the mainly Caribbean, 11th Congressional District in Brooklyn.

"I am thrilled about the excitement and the interest our young people have displayed for him," she continued, referring to Obama.

"You have inspired me to become a superstar," said Haitian American Christelle Jean-Baptiste, a 5th grader at Public School 398, in her letter to Obama.

"Watching you has taught me that I can be whatever I want to be when I grow up," she added.