Bin 26 director and Jamaica Observer Thursday Life wine contributor of five years Christopher Reckord was fittingly conferred with The “Orden of Bernardo O’Higgins”, by Chilean Ambassador to Jamaica Alfredo Garcia last Thursday at the ambassador’s well-appointed Upper St Andrew residence. The occasion honoured the remarkable efforts of Reckord in the promotion and education of not only Chilean wines, but other wines of the world. We’re suitably chuffed at SO and raise our own glass to an absolute gentleman who also happens to be a wine enthusiast.

— As Chile’s ambassador to Jamaica it gives me great satisfaction and pride to present on behalf of the President of the Republic of Chile, HE Sebastian Pinera the “Comendador” badge of the “Order of Bernando O’Higgins to distinguished Jamaican citizen and friend Christopher Reckord; a kind of Renaissance man, a successful entrepreneur in very challenging times, a citizen sensitive to the welfare of his fellow Jamaicans and most of all, a wine connoisseur — a person of informed and discriminating taste, who has embarked on a crusade to promote the lifestyle that surrounds wine and spirits to a society that has only recently opened up to this kind of experience.

Therefore, complying with the mandate of his excellency, I have gathered all of you today at the official residence of Chile in Jamaica, to honour this great Jamaican, with the order of Bernardo O’Higgins created with the name of our National Hero to be bestowed when the Republic of Chile wishes to reward foreign citizens who deserve to be distinguished for their outstanding participation in the arts, sciences, education, industry, trade and social humanitarian co-operation.

In the case of our awardee this evening, these merits are more than well-deserved. Since my arrival in Jamaica more than four years ago, I have been privileged to witness the truly remarkable efforts of Chris to promote in thsi market not only Chilean wines, but other wines of the world. And that was a lucky collision with my personal interest in the matter, considering that wines are our main and most famous product in Jamaica and in the Caribbean as a whole. In a sense, it has been a team effort that has produced the really outstanding positioning of Chilean wines in Jamaica, reaching today, top positions in the preference of the informed consumer.

That’s the reason for granting this award to Chris; a recognition that reflects not only my personal bond of friendship with him, but also the official recognition for a trajectory that started more than three years ago when Chris visited Chile and soem of our main vineyards, falling in love with our wines — I must say with proper justification. All this is reflected in this recognition, showing that Chile does not forget those who in many ways have proven their faithful friendship to my country

— The Ambassador of the Republic of Chile Alfredo Garcia (Thursday, April 19 2012)