Caribbean voters concerned over protections for immigrants | Local News | trinidadexpress.com

The future of Caribbean immigrants, women’s rights, and racial politics.

These are the concerns of Trinidadian and Caribbean communities based in the United States, as Americans went to the polls yesterday to vote in the presidential election.

First-generation Trini-American Shelley Vidia Worrell, founder of the I AM CaribBeing/Little Caribbean NYC, said the 2024 election would affect both the Caribbean and Latin America regarding trade policies, climate change, development financing and regional economic development.

The Caribbean-­American community’s “Rally For Kamala” initiative demonstrated the growing political influence of this often-overlooked voting bloc, comprising over 8.5 million, she added.

Blayne Ferguson, I AM CARIBBEING/Little Caribbean programme trainee, added that the 2024 election was hea­vily marked by young voters.

“This election season carried a remarkable energy, especially with so many young voters, including Gen Z and numerous first-time voters, showing up in unpre­cedented numbers. The lines were filled with individuals determined to participate in shaping the nation’s future.

“For Caribbean Ame­ricans, there was both pride and excitement in seeing a Caribbean pre­sidential candidate and a woman vying for the presidency—symbols of expanding representation,” she said.

She added: “Yet, amid this enthusiasm, there was also apprehen­sion, particularly concerning the future of protections for Caribbean immigrants. Many voters expressed frustration with the limi­tations of the two-party system, prompting them to explore third-party options they felt might better reflect progressive ideals.

“Ultimately, the high turnout reflects a shared aspiration among Carib­bean Americans and young voters alike for an America that recognises and respects our diverse communities in the years to come.”