Celebrating the life and work of Ken Chaplin
Published:Wednesday | July 14, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern
WHEN KEN Chaplin began his sojourn in media in 1947, he was 17 years old, hardly a man. Sixty-three years later, Chaplin has not only left an ineradicable footprint on the Fourth Estate but has etched his name across various sectors of Jamaican society.
Chaplin continues to write a bold legacy, impacting powerfully the local landscape.
On Monday, friends, family and the media fraternity gathered at Talk of the Town at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel to share in con-gratulating Chaplin on his 80th birthday and 63 years as a pro-fessional journalist. Among guests were former Gleaner photographer Junior Dowie, veteran broadcaster and playwright Barbara Gloudon and Press Association of Jamaica head Byron Buckley.
It was a ceremony celebrating the life and work of a man who lived the lives of many men. A quiet storm, Chaplin's calm, unassuming nature speaks very little of the impact he's had on the public service, Jamaican journalism and the countless number of young people he coached while a football referee.
Friend and former press secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Leo Gunter, described Chaplin as "a man who walked among kings but kept the common touch", referring both to Chaplin's role in covering royal visits as well as the volunteer projects he contributed to in communities like Trench Town, Kingston.
Career highlights
Chaplin served as editor and senior information officer of the Jamaica Information Service and editor-in-chief, executive director and chairman of JAMPRES news agency. He was also information officer of the Jamaica Agricultural Society between 1961 and 1998. Chaplin is now a columnist for the Jamaican Observer.
He served as a football referee for more than 37 years, 18 of which he officiated as being FIFA-certified. In 1980, FIFA awarded him a distinguished service award, the highest award for referees. Eight years later, he would be awarded the nation's fifth-highest honour, the Order of Distinction.
He also distinguished himself as press secretary to former prime ministers Hugh Lawson Shearer, Michael Manley, Edward Seaga and P.J. Patterson. He was also president of the Press Association of Jamaica twice and press adviser for Grenada's Herbert Blaize. Chaplain also served as an information consultant for the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
For Gloudon, it was "easier" to say what Chaplin did not do than to recount what he did. Gloudon praised his work as a journalist and commended his professionalism.
In the company of his wife Elaine, daughter Angela, son Christopher, and other relatives, Chaplin revelled in the joyous spirit of the afternoon.
Chaplin quipped that if he gave half the effort he spent serving his country to serving his God, he would be ascending to heaven "on silver wings".