Kingston, 3 April 2024 (JIS) - The Minister of Culture Gender, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has lauded the 2023 Musgrave Medal recipients as guardians of Jamaica’s heritage.

“The contributions of our Musgrave awardees have not only enriched our cultural landscape but have also served as guiding lights for future generations,” she said.

“Their passion, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as shining examples of the best that Jamaica has to offer. May their example inspire us all to reach new heights and to never falter in our pursuit of brilliance,” the Minister noted.

Minister Grange was speaking at the annual awards ceremony held recently at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at the University of the West Indies, Mona, where 10 Jamaicans were recognised for outstanding work in the fields of Literature, Science and the Arts.

She commended the Institute of Jamaica for hosting the awards. “Your tireless efforts in preserving Jamaica’s culture and heritage and recognising our nation's finest are truly commendable,” she added.

The Gold Musgrave Medal went to former Executive Director of the Institute, Vivian Crawford, for dedicated and distinguished service in the field of arts and culture; scientist and educator, Professor Marcia Roye; and Professor Carolyn Cooper, who is an international expert and pioneer on Jamaican popular culture.

Recipients of the Silver medal are choreographer, author and dancer, Dr. Leonora Antoinette Stines; applied scientist, Dr. Conrad Douglas; and journalist, filmmaker and author, Barbara Blake-Hannah.

The Bronze Musgrave Medal went to Merline Bardowell, for contribution to the field of science and technology; award-winning writer, Dr. Sharma Taylor; and George 'Fully' Fullwood and Carlton 'Santa' Davis for contribution to music.

The Musgrave Medal is the oldest award in the Western Hemisphere. It was founded in 1889 in honour of Sir Anthony Musgrave, the Governor of Jamaica from 1877 to 1883, who founded the Institute of Jamaica in 1879.

The medals are awarded in the categories of gold, silver, bronze, and youth advocacy and leadership.

END