Dear Editor,

History was again recorded in the United States of America (USA) and across the world when former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump defeated Democratic candidate and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Trump will now return to the White House for another term after losing to Joe Biden in 2020.

Trump’s victory has sent shock waves across the globe, as many people were hoping that Harris would be victorious and create history not only as the first female president but also as the first president of colour to lead one of the most influential countries in the world.

Additionally, all eyes were on the US, as there are a number of critical events happening worldwide, including the wars between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine. Although several world leaders have congratulated Trump — which is a common diplomatic courtesy — many of them are concerned about several areas of international affairs and relations. Already political leaders in the European Union (EU) have announced urgent meetings to discuss border security and having a more unified EU. It is equally expected that Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders will discuss Trump’s victory at a subsequent high-level meeting.

Undeniably, there are reasons to be concerned — scared even — particularly as Trump can be very spontaneous and unpredictable. Sometimes he seems to operate based on ‘vibes’.

Nonetheless, he was duly elected. Furthermore, he won the popular vote, and the Republicans are the majority in the Senate. The American people voted exactly how they wanted to! Is it now time to MAGA (Make America Great Again)?

Trump may not be the ideal president in many people’s opinion, but democracy has won. It reinforces the point that it all comes down to votes on the day when it matters most. While think pieces, polls, money, and celebrity endorsements may contribute to some degree, it is left to the voter to ultimately put his/her mark beside the name of the candidate of his/her choice.

Should people be hated and put to shame for exercising their democratic right? Notwithstanding, voting along a certain line can reveal certain once-hidden values held by some among the electorate.

This consequential election is very instructive to our local context as we gear up for the general election, constitutionally due by September 2025. Will the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) come from behind and give the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) a political lashing? Will Jamaicans demonstrate to the Andrew Holness-led Administration that time has come or will the majority who vote continue on a path for prosperity, partnership and peace?

In any case, both the JLP and PNP need to ensure that they listen and respond to the needs of the people.

Oneil Madden

Maddenoniel@yahoo.com