Hedley Jones leads Musgrave awardees

On Wednesday, eight distinguished Jamaicans will receive the Institute of Jamaica prestigious award, the Musgrave medal - one gold, four silver and three bronze. The eight will be recognised for notable success in their work in the literary, scientific and artistic fields at the annual ceremony starting at 3 p.m.

This year's sole recipient of the gold medal will be Hedley Jones, OD, for distinguished eminence in the field of music. Jones designed and built Jamaica's first solid wood-body electric guitar.

The 2011 Silver Musgrave medallists include Hazel Campbell, for her contribution to children's literature and the encouragement of new writers; Trevor Nairne, theatre producer, director and designer; Omari Ra for art and art education; and Dr Lawrence Williams for medical research.

Bronze medals will be awarded to artistic director Cynthia Noble, for merit in the arts, specifically dance, while Sharon Leach will receive a bronze medal for short story writing and promotion of the literary arts through journalism. Dr Tracey Lincoln will be honoured for her work in biochemistry.

The Musgrave medals have, over the years, served as a means of rewarding excellence to Jamaicans who have made significant contributions to society through their respective disciplines, particularly prior to the awarding of National Honours.

A gold medal is awarded for distinguished eminence in the fields of literature, science or the arts, silver for outstanding merit and a bronze for merit.

The Musgrave medal has been awarded to celebrated icons of the society, including Louise Bennett-Coverley, Carey Robinson, Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Sir Clement 'Coxson' Dodd, Marcia Griffiths, Oliver Samuels and Rex Nettleford. Youth awardees have included Courtney Foster, Jaevion Nelson and Captain Barrington Irving.