Kamla on Biden's victory: 'An important moment for the world'

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has hailed Joseph Biden’s victory over incumbent Donald Trump in the November 3, United States presidential election as “an important moment for the world.”

In a statement on her Facebook page on Saturday, Persad-Bissessar said Biden’s victory presents a chance for America to re-assert its place “as a force for good on the world stage.

“A nation that will work with TT and other allies to defeat this (covid19) pandemic,” she added.

Persad-Bissessar said Biden, 77, who is expected to be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, ran a campaign on decency, integrity, compassion and strength.

The Siparia MP also congratulated US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on being the first woman and person of colour to assume that role.

Harris, 56, is of mixed heritage. Her mother is from India while her father is Jamaican.

“Their victory is one for hope and unity over dishonesty and division. Millions of Americans of all backgrounds and ages came together to vote for a better, more optimistic future.”

Persad-Bissessar said she is looking forward to forging an even stronger relationship between TT and the US.

UNC PRO Anita Haynes also congratulated Biden on becoming the US President-elect.

“It was very keenly contested and all eyes were on the election from around the world looking on,” said the Tabaquite MP.

“Joe Biden, I think, has a very interesting story for those of us who study political science and political history.”

Haynes noted Biden had first declared his candidacy for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination in June 1987 only to become President-elect some 32 years later.

On Harris’ role as US Vice President-elect, Haynes said: “It speaks to representation and having more people at the decision-making table. It also speaks to the greatness of the West Indies as well, that we really find ourselves in all sorts of places.”

She said Biden and Harris have a lot of work to do "because the world is looking on."