The sentiment on the Air Jamaica flight from Montego Bay to Fort Lauderdale on Monday November 3 was quietly in favour of Obama, with a few Jamaicans surprisingly expressing support for McCain.
An 80-year-old Jamaican woman who had boarded in a wheelchair expressed the view that Obama would win.
"But pray," she exhorted us after entertaining with a long list of reasons for her vote based on 50 years working for white families in the United States who she felt could never countenance a black man in the White House.
Most discussions ended with that simple exhortation to say a prayer, if all else fails. The routine for conversational exchange between strangers was simple. First, the cautious question inspired by an Obama sticker worn anywhere on the person. Then the excited confirmation - "Obama, yes man - voted in the prelims - voting tomorrow - lawd ah hope him win." Then the departing word, "pray".
interesting conversation
After landing, I had an interesting conversation in the airport with a distinguished Haitian gentleman. His eyes lit up as we passed through the mutual recognition stage. "Bama," he said, almost reverently. "America needs him as president." Then he laid out his carefully prepared plans for voting the next day.
"My alarm is set for 4 a.m. I will be at the precinct from 4:30. It's near to my house, so I don't have to drive.
"Then there is the inauguration ahead. I have already booked a flight to New York for January 19. We'll take a bus to Washington that evening. I will have my Haitian flag in my right hand, my US flag in my left. I will not miss a moment. Just pray."
Tuesday, November 4, was voting day at the Kings Point Recreation Center in an upscale retirement complex in Tamarac, Florida. The senior citizens arrived by bus and were escorted, wheeled or helped into a spacious, comfortable lounge before heading into one of several rooms.
The Broward County Ballot document listed 62 choices on various issues, including the presidential candidates, that the voter has to choose from. This proved tedious for many.
Our Jamaican hostess was one of three black persons voting at about 4 p.m. I had no vote. Apprehension about a seemingly pro-McCain profile disappeared as the seniors greeted us excitedly with the latest on Obama.
This reminded that South Florida is predominantly Democrat, and the retirees had no qualms about declaring their enthusiasm for Obama. With the day's outing over they left us with a wink, a wave and a reminder to pray.
tension
Tuesday night, a group of Jamaicans gathered in a friend's apartment around fried fish and harddough bread to set up for the long night. Tension mounted as the numbers changed and McCain moved ahead in several states.
Then came 10:30 and Pennsylvania was called, followed by a glimpse of blue in Florida. Shortly before 11 p.m. Virginia was declared, a station break was taken, and on resumption the dramatic announcement by Wolf Blitzer, a historic win for Barack Obama.
Pandemonium followed in the room as the message flashed across the screen and around the world. We laughed, shouted and cried. A bottle of brandy miraculously appeared and we watched as Chicago erupted in tumultuous scenes of joy.
It was an overwhelming moment envisioned nearly two years ago when Obama announced his candidacy on the steps of the Illinois Capital. It was a moment shared by arguably the most universal mixture of colour, race and creed ever gathered in the United States at one time, and in one place.
We saw tears flowing down the cheeks of the descendants of those who many years ago escaped from southern plantations at night and fled to freedom through secret corridors to the north.
We understood. We reached across to embrace the McCainites. And we prayed.
Lance Neita is a freelance contributor.