President-elect Joe Biden and Wife Jill on stage following Mr. Biden's victory speech on Saturday night in Wilmington, Del. By. REUTERS
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Caribbean leaders on Saturday were extending congratulatory remarks to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, saying they were looking forward to working with the new Democratic Party leaders in the White House.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness in a message on his Twitter page, said, “America will have its first female vice president in the person of Kamala Harris and we are proud that she bears Jamaican heritage."
Her added, "Her ascension to this role is a monumental accomplishment for women all over the world and I salute her. We look forward to working with the new administration."
Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, also created history by becoming the first woman of color to be elected vice president.
In his letter of congratulations to Mr. Biden, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he recalled working with the president-elect when he served as vice president to former President Barak Obama "to advance the security and well-being of the United States and its neighbors in the Caribbean."
“I especially recall, with appreciation, the work that you had started on building security in energy and my participation with you in conferences to facilitate progress in this vital area," Mr. Browne said.
“Allow me also to note that today, November 7th, 2020, marks 48 years to the day when you were first elected to Congress as a 29-year old. Your stamina and energy – and most importantly your commitment to public service for the people of the United States has been exemplary and outstanding,” Browne added as he extended congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, said he had been watching “along with you and the rest of the world, the elections in the United States” and that the “results indicate that the American people have decided that Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris will be their leaders."
“On behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia, I congratulate the President-elect and Vice President-elect. The United States has long been a friend to St. Lucia and we very much look forward to that relationship continuing. Initiatives important to our mutual interests include economic prosperity, climate change and security,” Mr. Chastanet said.
For his part, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, said, “Given the close familial ties of both our countries and our joint economic and security connections, we look forward to the strengthening of those bonds in the months and years ahead.
“We as Caribbean people filled with pride, extend a special accolade to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as we acknowledge her Caribbean roots and wish both office holders a very successful term, not only for the American citizens but for all the people of the world."
Mr. Biden addressed the American public during a primetime speech on Saturday night and called on the country to heal and unite, while aiming to be the conduit through which such healing and unity is fostered.
Even so, President Donald Trump was dismissive of Biden’s presidential win, accusing him of falsely claiming victory and condemning the media for projecting the race before all votes were counted.
“The simple fact is this election is far from over,” he said in a statement. “We all know why Joe Biden is rushing to falsely pose as the winner, and why his media allies are trying so hard to help him: they don’t want the truth to be exposed.”
Mr. Trump said his campaign on Monday will turn to the courts to “ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated.”
