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Four Cultural Movements awarded Special Musgrave GOLD

Four cultural movements; Rastafari, Kumina, Revival and the Maroons were recognized for their contribution to cultural development at a Special Musgrave Awards ceremony on May 28, 2009 at the Institute of Jamaica.

Speaking at the function, Chairman of Council, Institute of Jamaica, Prof. Barry Chevannes stressed the importance of these cultural movements to the formation of Jamaica’s vibrant heritage.

“The people that we honour today are the nameless, silent and quiet majority who by their hard work have given shape to what we now appreciate and enjoy as the Jamaican identity,” he said. “This country could never be if not for the groups that we honour this evening.”

The decision to honour the four cultural movements in Jamaica arose from the celebrations of the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Trade in Africans in 2007.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange heralded the contribution of these movements stating, “These groups represent the richness, vibrancy and dynamism of our forebearers…and have influenced all aspects of Jamaica’s life, music and language.” She said these movements serve as iconic representation of our heritage.

Col. Sidney Peddie of the Accompong Marrons collected the award on behalf of the Maroons, Ras Junior Manning on behalf of Rastafari, Bernice Henry of the Port Morant Kumina Group on behalf of Kumina and Bishop Robert Clarke of Watt Town on behalf of Revival. The Musgrave Award is recognized as one of the oldest awards in the western world. The Award serves to recognize members of society, especially Jamaicans who have made outstanding contribution to society through their respective disciplines.

The Gold medal is awarded for distinguished eminence. Musgrave medals have been awarded to several celebrated cultural icons including Louise Bennett-Coverly, Charles Hyatt, Kamau Bratwaite, Marcia Griffiths and Oliver Samuels.