Given Jamaica’s internationally acclaimed status as an arts and cultural superpower, it is only fitting that more national awards were given out this year than ever to those who have contributed to its growth. That was it.
At Monday’s inauguration ceremony at King’s House and the 2022 National Award of Honor ceremony, 13 giants in the field were so recognized. The awards were mostly about music. Others were for literary prominence and work in theater and film.
Awards ranged from the Order of Jamaica (3), Medal of Merit, Commander’s Rank (1), Medal of Merit, Officer’s Rank (7), and Distinguished Service Medal (2). The unusually high numbers are auspicious and welcomed by many, including his two art professors at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Over the weekend, cultural influencers Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa and Professor Carolyn Cooper commented: Greener It is said that the time has come for the category of national hero to be opened to contributors to culture. .
It states that the candidate should have been offered to the service of the country of “the most outstanding character.” Contributors to culture can easily enter through that door. This year’s extraordinary number of national award-winning contributors, perhaps next year, will be the ultimate national award to Miss Her Lou and Bob Her Marley, her two names most people talk about. It indicates that there is a possibility of being awarded a prestigious honor.
The motto of the National Hero Order is “He built a city on its foundations.” At least many of our cultural icons fit that bill.
The first three nominated members of the Order of Jamaica are figures in the arts and entertainment fields who have received National Honors this year.
· Monty Alexander, CD – His award was given for his outstanding contribution to promoting a global interpretation of Jamaican music and the jazz genre.
· Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, CD – for her significant contribution to the cultural development and political administration of Jamaica.
· Sherrill Lee Ralph (honorary) – for her outstanding contributions as an actress and cultural ambassador for Jamaica and for her contributions to the international film industry.
The only person to receive a special medal with the rank of Commander (CD) was Kwame Senu Neville Dawes, who was honored for his contributions to the literature as a poet and writer.
The seven persons awarded the Order of Merit (OD) are:
· Dr Amina Isoline Blackwood Meeks, BH(M) – for her contributions to the development of literary arts in Jamaican culture.
· Jeffrey Ethan “Agent Susco” Campbell. His awards were given for outstanding contributions to music, philanthropy, and positive pro-social messages to young people.
· Basil O’Connor Dawkins for his contributions to the creative industries, especially theater.
· Dr. Myrna Hague-Bradshaw’s contribution to the arts, especially in the field of music.
· Kenrick Randolph ‘Lord Creator’ Patrick for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music and social service.
· Anthony Patrick Richards, BH(M), for his outstanding contribution to the international promotion of Jamaican music.
· John Randolph Swaby for his pioneering work in promotion and development in the motion picture, technical production, and entertainment sectors.
The two were awarded the Medal of Merit {BH (M)}
· Colin Barrington Smith for his work in preserving Jamaican traditional folk culture and indigenous music.
· Derrick Adolphus Stewart has served the music industry for over 40 years.
Extending this list to Jamaican culture in general would be incredibly long because culture is defined so broadly. Nevertheless, few would dispute that the posthumous award of the OD to Leonard Percival Howell should be recorded here. It was for work in the flanks, i.e., “pioneers in the development of Rastafari philosophy.”
Entertainment@gleanerjm.com
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