There was precious little elbow room at Elbow Beach yesterday as enthusiastic Barack Obama fans saw their hero clinch a prize so many never dreamed would fall to a black man.

But there it was in glorious technicolour on a giant screen as America paid homage to the 44th President while Bermudians savoured the moment – as well as an extensive buffet lunch selected with historical precision.

It included a California garden salad recipe served at the Ronald Reagan inauguration, a clam chowder served at every inauguration since the early 1980s and a tomato soup with crushed popcorn from John F. Kennedy's big day bash in the sixties.

It didn't stop there – there were nods to the Obama family's roots, with dishes from Kenya and Kansas.

And there was a patriotic red, white and blue potato salad, which mostly seemed purple.

Sadly there was no 'Dan Quayle potatoe salad' in memory of George Bush's Vice President who infamously knew less about spelling the vegetable then the 12-year-old he once sought to correct. But no one was there for the food. And no one seemed to enjoy the festivities more than Assistant Cabinet Secretary Judith Hall-Bean who, like many, never thought she would live to see such a day.

"I am very excited to be here to see this – this man has everything I think that is required to rule the free world.

"He is smart enough to pace himself and do the important things first. He can't solve all the world's problems straight away – it will take time."

Some watched the proceedings in almost stunned awe. Lawyer Victoria Pearman, who is known for her voluble court room contributions, spent most of the ceremony in silence, with a hand clasped to her mouth and tears never really far away.

But Ms Hall-Bean was letting the good times roll with some choice quips

"Go Re Re" she shouted as singing legend Aretha Franklin took centre stage for 'My Country Tis of Thee' and then she chipped in with "Check his Bible!" as Joe Biden picked up an outlandishly-sized tome for his swearing in as Vice President.

Time and again the cameras honed in on close-ups of the new President and one couldn't help wonder what it must be like to know the world is watching and analysing your every mannerism and gesture.

But it was a forgiving crowd at the Elbow Beach – they laughed merrily, but not without sympathy, when there was confusion about the ordering of words during the swearing-in ceremony. Though by that time it was academic, as the new President had officially assumed powers at 12 noon, or 1 p.m. Bermuda time, according to the ticker tape on the giant TV.

There was a standing ovation from the Elbow Beach lunch crowd before the President began his address, and several dabbed their faces with hankies.

A tough section on terrorism brought thunderous applause from US Consul General Gregory Slayton.

The coverage from Washington ended with laughter of recognition from the Bermuda audience, as Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery finished his comments with a rhyme familiar to black church-goers: "We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... When yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy, say Amen."

The crowd in Washington thundered, "Amen!" and so did the delighted diners in Paget.

Following on from a presidential inauguration is a tough act to follow but that is what fell to Mr. Slayton – a Republican given the very rare honour of remaining in office despite the change of president.

But, as Mr. Slayton pointed out, the new man in the White House is all about crossing the divide.

He said: "President Obama continues to knock down barriers that used to divide us, while forging links that bind us together, calling us all to put partnership before partisanship."

He added: "Real leadership is about building bridges instead of walls. Those are lessons that all of us would be wise to heed."

Betty Christopher, former president of the Bermuda Public Services Union, was on hand to enjoy the festivities.

She said: "It's just fantastic – our forefathers should have been here to see a brother be called. It's just a grand occasion."

She confessed to shedding tears during the inauguration speech when the new President spoke about unity, togetherness and the countries all coming together.

"That is important," she said.

Lawyer and former Attorney General Larry Mussenden said President Obama would practise inclusion and brings hope and unity.

"He will energise nations around the world to work together to solve problems."

Mr. Mussenden said he had been an Obama man from the beginning. "He's an intellectual who understands the grass roots."