Caribeean leaders say Obama’s victory is ‘historic & well-deserved’

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller extended kudos to President Barack Obama on his victory and appointment to a second term in the White House.

In a congratulatory message PM Simpson Miller said his re-election was a victory for democracy and a testimony to the hard work and dedication he and his team put into a hard fought election campaign.

“On behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, I take this opportunity to offer my most profound congratulations on your re-election as the President of the United States of America, and extend my best wishes for success, continued peace and prosperity for the American people.

The Jamaican leader said President Obama’s “historic and well deserved victory” was the reward for his “tremendous efforts over the past four years to guide your country towards a path of sustainable economic recovery.”

The leader said the victory also represented an endorsement of “your agenda to move your great country forward.”

“Both Jamaica and the United States of America share this valued and cherished tradition which we must do everything to preserve,” Simpson Miller said.

The Prime Minister said that under President Obama’s leadership, Jamaica looks forward to the “continued strengthening of the special bonds of friendship which exist between our two countries as we seek to build a brighter future for both our peoples.”

From St. Kitts & Nevis, a congratulatory message from the leader amplified the sentiment of the Caribbean islands.

Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas joined world leaders in sending congratulations to President Barack Obama on Tuesday’s resounding election victory for a second four-year term.

“The American people have reaffirmed their faith and confidence in your vision, your leadership and your ability to move the country forward in the face of differences and diversity. Your diligence, tenacity, and fervor of the first four years have inspired them to believe that indeed, ‘the best is yet to come,” PM Douglas said.

He added that that Obama has been “afforded a great opportunity to pursue your goal of building on the progress you have begun, reaching across the aisle to build consensus for the common good.”

“The infectious sentiment of hope with which you began the first term has returned to infuse the road ahead. Although destined to be beset by immense challenges, I believe that this spirit of optimism will pervade during the coming years, contributing to a legacy of hope at the end of your tenure as the first African American President of the great United States of America.”

PM Douglas told President Obama he was hopeful that the longstanding and excellent relations between the United States and St Kitts and Nevis and indeed with the entire region, “will be strengthened even further through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and similar cooperation programs.”

“The global challenges which continue to confront us can only be surmounted together and as hemispheric counterparts, let us recommit to the tasks ahead to ensure that our shared destiny will remain stable, secure and peaceful,” the twin-island leader said.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza also congratulated the president on his re-election saying:

“The people of the Americas share your vision for peace, stronger democracy and greater development for our region and the world. We are encouraged by yesterday’s events and the message sent by the people of this country on its determination to continue the long lasting tradition of hope and cooperation that unites the nations of this hemisphere.” Secretary General Insulza stated.

He continued that in Obama’s first term “you have led your nation during extremely challenging times but have also worked towards forging new stronger relationships throughout the world.”

“It is encouraging to know that the American people remain committed to a path of constructive engagement with other countries and regions and strong multilateralism.”

“Your re-election stands as a beacon of encouragement to people throughout the world.”

“I am confident that under your continued leadership, the United States will remain a leading influence for good in the world. I wish you and all those who serve with you the strength, determination and wisdom for a successful and prosperous second term,” the OAS leader said.