Barack Obama being sworn in on Tuesday

The African-American politician was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States in Washington on Tuesday, 20 January.

Already, here's what some Caribbean people have been telling BBC Caribbean about Barack Obama.

Caribbean people reflect on the occasion

Share your thoughts

• Where were you on the day that Barack Obama became America's first black president?
• How did you feel as you watched/ listened to the swearing in of America's first African-American president?
• Has this changed your views on the United States?

The best thing that could happen to the world at this time of unhappiness.

I was at work when Barack was sworn in. I watched the ceremony when I got home and was so, so proud for all black people in the world. Our forefathers helped make the world we know today by their blood. In every 'first world’ country(western), there is evidence of their blood and I feel that now is the time to recognise that.

I hope that this will change the attitude of the USA. GW made all believe that USA was the world's policeman - not so. Barack will hopefully make the world feel like one human race made up of many colours and creeds just like the flora of this beautiful world we live in.

J.E Johnson

Lincoln, England

It was a profoundly moving moment in history for me and my family to see the firt black president of the United States of America. It gives me a renewed sensed of hope in the midst of despair. As the daughter of/and a Haitian immigrant myself, I am extremely proud to see a black man, the son of an immigrant, sworn in to the highest office of the land. Just simply a rare moment in history!

Launese, Florida

Yes, today is the first day of true fulfilment for me ever, and there are many more too come, all thanks to the Alighty God above, and also to Dr Martin Luther King Jr and his beautiful wife Coretta Scott King, and President Barack Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle Obama. It's a beautiful thing... One African American male uplifted!!! I was in a public setting at the time President Obama was sworn in, I'd just been called back into an intake office, anyway, I saw very little from over the counter top of the receptionist desk. Just after, the swearing in, however, of course, I felt "a great joy" for my new president and his family, america, and myself!!! Yes, this power move has changed my views of the United States much so!!! United we stand!!! Much Love and Respect.

Looie "Gent", New York

I watched Barack Obama become the first black president of the USA from the lunch room of my office. It was indeed a very humbling and touching moment and the speech after was well crafted where he called for the American people to pick themselves up and rise to the occasion. I will wait to make a judgement of my views of the US, in my opinion American interests remain the same, and once that is so, very little will change, especially in the area of foreign relations. There would probably be a different approach to the one used to Bush, but let's not be fooled, America's interests remain the same.

Roger, Georgetown, Guyana