We've seen the outpouring of support for Barack Obama internationally: the huge crowd he attracted in Berlin, the photos of people across the world celebrating his election. Dancing in the streets, both here and abroad, upon the election of an American President is unprecedented in my experience. A national holiday was declared in Kenya!
We've also heard about the dignitaries calling Obama to wish him congratulations: Nelson Mandela, Pope Benedict XVI, Nicolas Sarkozy. This is, of course, traditional.
But this, from the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, is extraordinary:
In lasting tribute to your election, I shall take immediate measures for Antigua and Barbuda's highest mountain peak to be dedicated in your honour and renamed "Mount Obama".
Read the entire statement after the jump:
PM Spencer Sends Message to President Elect Barack Obama - Moves to rename Boggy Peak to Mount Obama
November 05, 2008
St. John’s, Antigua
His Excellency, Barack Obama
President Elect of the United States of America
Excellency,
Antigua and Barbuda joins the American people, and the peoples of all nations, in celebrating your historic election as President of the United States of America.
As Chairman of the Group 77 and China, and as Chairman of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, I am conscious of the promise of your presidency in shaping a new paradigm in America's relationship with the other nations of the world.
Your election will not only transform America, it can transform the world.
Your message of change will ignite hope and action in people of many countries who might still be passive in the face of inadequacies and injustice.
Your manifest devotion to family will strengthen families around the planet.
On behalf of the people and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I take this opportunity to extend our condolences on the passing of your beloved grandmother.
In lasting tribute to your election, I shall take immediate measures for Antigua and Barbuda's highest mountain peak to be dedicated in your honour and renamed "Mount Obama".
The people of Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean keenly anticipate your visit to our region for the Summit of the Americas, in the early months of your presidency.
With assurances of my highest esteem,
W. Baldwin Spencer
We've all expected that George W. Bush's administration would be treated very harshly by historians. I think it will be even more so when contrasted with the election and administration of President Obama.