Honorary consul to the Republic of South Korea appointed
Published:Friday | October 11, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Working for the prosperity and the common good of the Republic of South Korea and Jamaica, is enough reward for Montego Bay businessman, Kishin Samtani.
Last Friday, Samtani was appointed honorary consul to the Republic of South Korea for Montego Bay and the western region, in what can only be described as a fabulous ceremony at the Seawind Beach Club at Montego Freeport last Friday.
Accompanied by his wife Shobu, son Sascha, other family members including his brother, Kumar, the businessman, who is as much a philanthropist as many of his colleagues, acknowledged that his new role did not come with monetary rewards, but his reward was guided by the dictates of honour.
"It is my belief that the role of honorary consul is a significant one. I believe Jamaica has been able to promote friendship and cooperation globally as this is one of the most important responsibilities of an honorary consul," he told the large gathering that attracted three government ministers, a senator and a member of parliament.
An avid team player in community development, Samtani works assiduously to change the lives of the marginalised and the disadvantaged. He is a member of the Good Shepherd Foundation, and is heavily involved in the Indian Benevolent Society; the St James Police Civic Committee; and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Honorary consuls in many parts of the world have played important roles in establishing trade relations worldwide, through sister-city relations, and Montego Bay has the opportunity of attracting more Koreans," noted South Korea's Charge d'Affaires Kimo Lim, before awarding the investiture.