Estelle

Western Bureau:United States President Barack Obama was not at the scenic Aqueduct at Rose Hall, in Montego Bay, on Thursday night for the 2009 JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival, but his name came up for honourable mention on several occasions.

First, it was radio personality and master of ceremonies, Richard 'Ritchie B' Burgess, who reminded the audience that the man now occupying the White House and serving as president of the United States was a black man: Barack Obama.

just wonderful

"Isn't it just wonderful that Barack Obama is now the man occupying the White House?" Burgess asked.

The mention of Barack Obama's name ignited an immediate response from the audience as screams erupted around the seaside venue, which was occupied by a generous mix of locals and visitors.

"Barack is indeed the big man for America at this time," said Jamaican-born, South Florida-based radio personality Bevan 'Duke' Earle, whose face lit up at the mention of the president's name. "He is going to make a fantastic president!"

fully energised

Noting that the entire America was fully energised and ready to support President Obama, the free-speaking Earle, who is a citizen of the United States, added, "There is so much our Jamaican leaders could learn from a man like President Obama."

President Obama's name again came up during the performance of British songbird Estelle. She said, "We have a new man in the White House and guess what, he looks just like us," said a smiling Estelle. "Isn't that just wonderful, my people!"

The biggest tribute of the night came during the performance of R&B legends, the dynamic Ashford and Simpson. After expressing their individual delight that president Obama - a black man - was now the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth, they proceeded to add a musical dimension to their tribute.

"This man has captured the attention of the entire world," said locally based videographer Ossie Walton. "There is so much love and goodwill for him ... I have never seen anything like this. It is amazing!"