But all eyes will be on Paterson at 1 p.m. this afternoon as he takes the oath of governor of the State of New York in the Assembly. Paterson, 54, will make history in the state, becoming not only the first black and blind governor, but the first with roots in the Caribbean. His grandparents on his paternal side were born in Grenada and Jamaica. His father, former secretary of state Basil Paterson, was born in Brooklyn, a second generation Caribbean national.

The Columbia alumnus will be sworn in Monday as New York State’s 55th governor, a post he unexpectedly is ascending to following the resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer amidst a shocking sex scandal. Paterson’s first goal will be to deliver a state budget by the April 1 deadline, just two weeks away.  But he also faced a crisis over the weekend when a crane fell on to a building on Manhattan’s East Side, killing four people. Paterson was on the scene Saturday afternoon, expressing empathy and offering words of support for emergency crew.

The accident occurred in Manhattan Saturday when a large construction crane broke loose and came crashing down at least 19 stories at a building that, at build out, was to be 43 stories tall. Paterson toured the crash scene and met with other officials pledging the state’s assistance. Analysts say Paterson`s amicable style could mark a change from the tensions that have existed between Spitzer and Albany lawmakers.

He`s already showed a lighter style, joking with reporters while still proving he has a grasp of the challenges ahead for the administration. But the real test will begin after he officially takes the oath today and commences the running of the Empire State. – CaribWorldNews.com