KINGSTON, Jamaica — Banker Christopher Chaplin has been installed as Jamaica’s new Honorary Consul to cover the country’s consular affairs in the state of Pennsylvania, from his base in Philadelphia.

This was announced by the Washington DC-based Embassy of Jamaica this afternoon.

The embassy said Chaplin’s appointment became effective April 2, succeeding the late Dr Alston Meade and filling a position that had been vacant for the past five years.

Chaplin is said to be a senior associate with Opportunity Finance Network, which manages an investment portfolio of over US$600 million and invests in community development, financial institutions, loan funds, venture funds and credit unions across the United States.

He has extensive banking experience in Jamaica and the United States, the embassy added. “I am greatly honoured that the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has seen it fit to appoint me to this very important position,” said Chaplin of this latest appointment.

“It is a position in which I am strongly committed to serving the Jamaica’s interests in the state of Pennsylvania.”

He praised the legacy of his late predecessor, Dr Meade, saying “he served our country with integrity and commitment. His service to our community is something I believe in and hope to emulate.”

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey P Marks, in welcoming Chaplin, commended his long-standing, solid track record of serving Jamaica from the diaspora.

“We know that Chris brings a wealth of expertise in key areas such as banking, and in that regard, we look forward to having this well-respected professionalism added to our diplomatic service. He most certainly will be a distinct asset to the Jamaican consular service, given the respect he already commands across the Jamaican diaspora,” said Marks.