Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, has been named International Diplomat of the Year in the United States.

He will be conferred with the honour at a gala marking the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence. Chaplin is among a group of diplomats, elected officials, public safety leaders, athletes and community advocates who will be recognised at the gala celebration on September 12 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Chaplin will be recognised for his work at strengthening international understanding, community connections and cross-cultural collaboration. As Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, he represents Jamaican interests serving the Jamaican community in the region, helping to maintain connections between Jamaica and its diaspora.

Cultural diversity of the United States 

His recognition will form part of the gala’s international component, which organisers say will highlight the cultural diversity of the United States. Representatives from several countries are expected to participate in a presentation of national flags during the event.

The gala is being staged as the US commemorates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and will bring together leaders from government, diplomacy, public safety, education, professional sports and community organisations. 

It will bring together remarkable leaders whose lives demonstrate courage, achievement, resilience, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. 

Chaplin will be honoured alongside several prominent U.S. figures, including U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey, former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and former NBA player Bobby Simmons. McIver will receive the Rosa Parks Medal in recognition of her public service, civic leadership and advocacy, while McGreevey will receive the National Reentry Leadership and Community Reintegration Award for his work promoting second chances, workforce opportunities and the reintegration of formerly incarcerated people.

Simmons, a former New Jersey Nets forward who was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2004-05 season while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, will receive the Distinguished Professional Basketball Achievement Award.