Journalist and historian Frank Hill received the prestigious Gold Musgrave Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s cultural development during the first decade of independence. The award, presented by the Institute of Jamaica, highlighted Hill’s leadership as a past chairman of both the Institute and the National Trust Commission, cementing his role as a key figure in preserving and promoting the island’s heritage.

Presentation of’ 74 Musgrave medals

There was a new format for the presentation of the 1974 Musgrave Medals, which were received by the winners in two ceremonies held by the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica last week.
The first presentation ceremony was part of a luncheon given by the Institute Board on Tuesday in honour of Mr Frank Hill, journalist-historian, who was awarded the Gold Musgrave Medal for his contribution to cultural development in the first ten years of Jamaica’s independence. He is a past chairman of the Institute and the National Trust Commission.
The presentation was made by Mr Rex Nettleford, chairman of the Institute Board, who also read the citation honouring Mr Hill.
Mr Albert Huie, painter and author, who was the recipient of the other Musgrave Gold awarded last year, received his award along with the winners of Silver and Bronze medals in a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
In previous years, it had been the custom to have one person make the presentation of all the awards, but this time, a new format was established whereby each presentation was made by a specially invited associate of each award winner.
Mrs Edna Manley presented Mr Huie with his Gold medal, and Mr Nettleford read the accompanying citation.
For the first time, an award was given for architecture. Mr Vayden McMorris received a Silver medal, which was presented to him by Mr Bert Robinson of the Jamaica Society of Architects.
Others receiving Silver medals were pianist Nerine Barrett; Everald Brown for painting; Christopher Gonzales, sculptor; Dennis Scott – poetry; and Leo Sullivan – landscaping. Miss Barrett was absent. Making the presentations were Messrs Osmond Watson, Kenny Repole, Mrs Jean DaCosta, and Mr Neville Dawes, Manager of the Institute.
Those receiving Bronze medals were Donat Bucknor – television documentaries; Joyce Lalor – choral music. Mr Archie Lewis – popular music – was not present. The presentations were made by Mr Wenty Bowen, Mrs Enis Chevannes, and Mr Arthur “Sagwa” Bennett respectively.
A short programme of dance and music by the Jay Teens and the N.D.T.C. Singers followed the presentation.

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