There is heightened interest among Jamaicans, living in the United States, in the 2024 US presidential election.

Election day is next Tuesday November 5, with early voting already underway.

Natalie Campbell has the first in the series – The US presidential election – The Jamaican perspective.

The Republican Party led by Donald Trump is seeking a return to the White House, while a win by the  Democratic Party’s Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz would see the Democrats holding on to the presidency.

Ms. Harris, the Vice President is of Jamaican descent. Her father Donald Harris is from Brown’s Town, St Ann.

This detail is not lost on many of the Jamaicans living in the United States.

Irwin Clare, is Managing Director of Caribbean Immigrant Services,  a community-based organization in New York that offers a range of support services for individuals from the Caribbean.

He says this election is a consequential one.

This interest has resulted in many Jamaican Americans working to garner support for their candidates.

Mr. Clare, who also hails from St Ann, notes that many Caribbean people are putting money into political campaigns.

This is supported by Dr Lavern Deer, who was a mayoral candidate for Miami Gardens in Florida in August.

Dr. Deer a Jamaican and community advocate says there is excitement among many Jamaicans in Florida who are working to secure a win for Kamala Harris.

She explains that persons were encouraged to register to vote and the emphasis now is getting them to vote.

She states that not all Caribbean nationals in the US support Ms. Harris’ candidacy, but many are proud that she is of Jamaican descent.

Community advocate and former mayoral candidate for Miami Gardens Dr. Lavern Deer.