Barack Obama supporters in Bermuda were euphoric last night after America voted its first black president into the White House.

The historic win by the Democratic Senator even managed to unite the heads of the Island's two political parties, with both Premier Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Kim Swan rejoicing at the victory.

Their reaction was replicated across the Island, as the many election parties being held turned into joyful celebrations when CNN projected Mr. Obama the winner just after midnight.

As the news flashed onto the television screen at the Somerset home of Amani Flood, coordinator of Bermuda4Barack, the reaction was instantaneous.

Loud cheering, laughing, horns being blown and drums being beaten was all that could be heard for several minutes as the 30-plus revellers hugged and danced with one another.

Asked if she was ecstatic, a breathless Ms Flood, 50, replied: "You need a better word. We are overwhelmed, we are overjoyed. We have got the flag flying, we have got the TV on in every room."

The Californian corporate administrator and mother-of-two, who has lived here for 25 years, said partygoers counted down to the moment when CNN called the result. At that point, she added, "everyone just went wild".

Dr. Brown said he joined with millions around the world in congratulating the new President-elect. "There are moments in the annals of history that give us pause," said the Premier. "Tonight we have experienced such a moment. We are elated and humbled by an occurrence that many of us never believed we would see in our lifetime.

"We are also buoyed by the knowledge that beyond the symbolism of this historic election, America has elected as its newest President a man who has ignited fires of hope around the world.

"I join with our American friends and people across the planet in offering my heartfelt congratulations."

Mr. Swan declared it a "great day for us all". He said: "This is a truly breathtaking historical event — a man of black and white lineage becoming President of the United States.

"It is such an uplifting, positive victory because it was built on a message of inclusiveness and togetherness, a message that held true through more than two years of campaigning, often against extremely negative attacks.

"Mr. Obama by his lineage, his words and his vision has brought us closer to that 'brighter day' that he spoke of so often, when we can overcome the barriers that divide to move forward together."

Mr. Obama's plans to launch a clampdown on US business operations in Bermuda and other so-called tax havens did nothing to dampen the spirits of his fans here last night.

Brothers Marico and Belcario Thomas held a party at Flatts restaurant Indigo so that people could come together to watch the contest unfold on multiple TV screens.

Indigo and Upper Crust owner Marico, 42, described himself as a huge supporter of the man set to become the 44th President of the United States but admitted that his stance on tax havens could impact the Island.

"I like change and I like the principles that he suggests," he said. "He actually has his eye on the international business that is here. As a Bermudian, it's going to hurt. I think we have just got to be prepared for some difference that's going to happen in the future."

Entrepreneur Belcario, 33, said: "I'm a big-time Obama supporter. Barack is definitely inspirational for my political future. He has taken me off the fence regarding whether I should go into politics. I know now that I will."

On a day which saw record numbers of Americans casting a vote in the presidential campaign, Bermudians made their allegiance known with Obama bumper stickers, posters and even clothing.

Taxi driver David Frost was so inspired by the Democratic contender that he rustled up a batch of T-shirts and sold about 1,000 in two days.

"It's amazing because a lot of people that have worn T-shirts, their bosses have said they can wear them to work the next day. It's awesome."

He said he was moved by the way Mr. Obama spoke with such conviction and his pledge to bring troops home from Iraq. "He seems to be the one person that can gel the races together," said the 59-year-old, from Sandys.

Phaedra Howes, 37, from Warwick, designed the shirts and said she supported Mr. Obama "because it's history in the making for America".

About 8,000 Americans live in Bermuda and most were glued to their TV screens last night, like Brad and Sarah Mulcahey, of Somerset.

The couple, who both voted for the Democratic contender by absentee ballot last month, admitted a sense of homesickness as they watched the vast crowd gather at Grant Park in their home city of Chicago to watch Mr. Obama speak.

"We wish we were home to share our support and see the whole thing," said personal trainer Mrs. Mulcahey, 29. "It will be good to have somebody with some brains. He's a super-smart guy."

Accountant Mr. Mulcahey, 31, a registered Republican, said Mr. Obama convinced him to change allegiance for the first time. "I think there are a lot of people like me who just got fed up. I think he's the best contender."

US Consul Gregory Slayton described it as a "great day for America". "American elections are at the heart of our democracy and it looks like it was a clean election and a decisive election," he said. "I have to be bipartisan. I thought both contenders brought a lot that was fresh and exciting to the table."

Bermuda Ombudsman Arlene Brock, a college friend of the new president elect, said she was convinced he would be an "exceptional and resolute president". "This is just the beginning of an important period of American history," she said. "It really has serious implications and significance for the rest of the world."