Obama

On January 20, 2009, at noon, a man whose first name means 'blessed' in Arabic, whose middle name is Hussein, and whose surname comes out of Kenya, will repeat the oath of the office of the presidency of the United States.

The words will be greeted by scenes of unrestrained joy and emotion and a massive roar of approval from the voices of the 2.5 million persons expected to jam Capitol Hill, the National Mall, Pennsylvania Avenue and every public viewing area available in Washington on that day.

The sound will reverberate across the world as billions watching on television react to this historic moment when a country, once given to denying the right to vote based on racial grounds, hands the mandate for protecting and defending the US Constitution to a black man. All this, in our lifetime.

Obama had his unforgettable moment on the night of November 4, 2008, when he won the election. Now, it is the world's moment, as the countdown begins for what will be the most-watched event and the largest-attended inauguration ever for a head of state in the history of the world.

This will not be the same Obama that emerged the victor from a classic and dizzying campaign which ended spectacularly with a message flashed across television screens and a gigantic outdoor party in Chicago.

That was Obama the consummate candidate, he of the charisma and the brilliant rhetoric, who challenged the odds and turned convention on its head in a race to the finish line that kept us on the edge of our seats.

Today, its Obama the president-elect, the most prepared of his predecessors to take the oath of office on January 20.

He has moved with unprecedented speed to name key members of his Cabinet. He has identified his priorities and realigned some in keeping with the financial crisis that has landed on his doorstep.

He has named the economy, the wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East, nuclear proliferation and climate change as the major immediate items that occupy his attention as he makes plans to hit the ground running.

Obama inspires confidence

The presidential Obama inspires confidence, not the least because of his many accomplishments as a team leader and a strategic thinker. He goes into office with the highest favourable ratings ever accorded a president-elect.

Nevertheless, the fears are real and the world is on edge, and he is up against unprecedented problems of crisis proportions never before faced by an incoming president.

These are not just American headaches but are a complex set of issues that affect the well-being of the entire human race.

Pardon us then if the world takes a break on January 20 to enjoy the pomp and glamour of the inauguration ceremony.

The programme will be punctuated with classical and soul music highlighted by that electrifying moment when 'the Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin takes the microphone.

Obama's oath of office will be administered by Supreme Court Justice John Ricketts, following which he will deliver his inaugural address.

The activities continue after the ceremony with a parade on Pennsylvania and Constitution avenues, which takes President Obama from the Capitol to the White House.

It will be a hectic night for the Obamas as 10 'official' inaugural balls are scheduled among the scores of parties and receptions that will light up Washington's social scene.

The First Couple are expected to appear at each ball with a wave to the attendees and perhaps an onstage dance, although it is unlikely that he can eclipse President Clinton's 14 appearances on his big night.

Washington is bracing for the huge crowd expected and the city will be hard pressed to control parking, traffic and security.

Hotels are already full but out-of-towners, including Jamaicans, are seeking accommodation in cities as far as New York and Baltimore and driving to Washington with friends.

There is little chance of seeing the public swearing-in without a ticket from a friendly Congressman and the best bet at this time is a glimpse of the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue.

So, where will you be on January 20? Chances are in front of the TV, if you haven't yet pitched a tent on any street in Washington.

It is the world's grand moment in time, and one that should not be missed.

Lance Neita is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner who may be contactedat lanceneita@hotmail.com.