Trinidad born Jennifer Caroll made history last week.

The conservative Republican became the first black person and first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of Florida.

"I'm a true Trinidadian. A true Trini. Trini to the bone declared Carroll, 51, the number two to new Florida governor Rick Scott, in an interview in the Trinidad Express.

But though Carroll, who moved to the US when she was 8, is proud of her Caribbean roots, some Caribbean-Americans say her victory might prove to be a defeat for them.

Tea Party ties a concern

Her Caribbean-born critics say Carroll, a businesswoman, a former US Navy mechanic and a former Florida lawmaker, has ties to the radical right wing Tea Party movement.

They are also concerned because she has said she would like to see Florida pass a tough immigration law which would give the authorities the right to arrest anyone suspected of being an undocumented immigrant.

Our people didnt vote for her, for the Republicans, so they might make us suffer says Bevan Earle, editor of Floridas Caribbean Voice newspaper. Carroll is not in tune with our Caribbean community.

But Jennifer Carroll wouldnt agree.

Caribbean "Republicans"

She says Caribbean people are by nature Republicans and points as an example to her adoptive parents, her great aunt, a cleaner, and her great uncle, a labourer.

I felt more in line with the Republican philosophy and principles because my parents worked very hard she told the South Florida Times.

My dad always told me, Nobody owes you anything. You have to work through any obstacles that come your way.

Carroll has had her share of obstacles, both personal and political.

She was raised by relatives in the absence of her parents and she failed twice in bids to win election to the US Congress.

Still, Jennifer Carroll hopes her victory will encourage African-Americans and Caribbean-Americans to view the Republicans as a party worthy of their vote.

When asked, they want less government control, less taxes, and less government intrusion in your life Jennifer Caroll says of black voters, but they are so tied to the Democratic Party."