Jamaica’s honorary consul Christopher Chaplin named International Diplomat of the Year

Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, will be honored with the International Diplomat of the Year Award at a gala marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence.

Chaplin is among a group of diplomats, elected officials, public safety leaders, athletes and community advocates who will be recognized at the America’s 250 Years of Independence Celebration Gala on Sept. 12 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Organized by International Stop the Violence Alliance Inc., the event will recognize Chaplin for his work strengthening international understanding, community connections and cross-cultural collaboration.

As Jamaica’s honorary consul in Philadelphia, Chaplin represents Jamaican interests and serves the Jamaican community in the region, helping to maintain connections between the island and its diaspora.

His recognition will form part of the gala’s international component, which organizers 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 United States 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 organizations.

“America’s 250th anniversary calls us to honor more than our history. It calls us to recognize the people who carry the nation’s values forward every day,” said Dr. Stephné R. Coney, founder and CEO of International Stop the Violence Alliance.

“This gala will bring together remarkable leaders whose lives demonstrate courage, achievement, resilience, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. Their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Chaplin will be honored 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.

Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Col. Geoffrey D. Noble will deliver the keynote address. New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Col. Jeanne Hengemuhle and New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police President Jim Ford are also among those being recognized.

The event coincides with National Police Woman Day and will include special recognition of women working in law enforcement and public safety.

Organizers said the gala is intended to go beyond commemorating the United States’ milestone anniversary by highlighting people whose work contributes to public safety, international cooperation, education, mentorship and stronger communities.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the formal program scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.