THE NATIONAL Medal of Science and Technology is a special honour bestowed by the Prime Minister on Jamaicans who have made outstanding contributions in the natural and applied sciences, including engineering.
The recipient is an individual whose work has resulted in significant advances in the field of science and technology and/or whose technological innovations have contributed significantly to the economic, cultural and social development of the nation since Jamaica's Independence.
ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS
As such, the Medal can be awarded to any citizen of Jamaica during his/her lifetime or posthumously. It was first awarded on Thursday, November 27, 2003 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST). As of now it will be awarded once every two years.
The award is made by the Prime Minister to the individual who, in his opinion, has significantly advanced knowledge and, through the application of science and technology, has made outstanding contributions to the economic, cultural or social development of the nation. The National Medal for Science and Technology was therefore established, by Proclamation 19, issued by the Governor-General on November 7, 2003.
The Medal is circular in shape, 6.35 cm in diameter of gold-plated sterling silver bearing: On the obverse, the Coat of Arms of Jamaica in the centre is surrounded by the words: 'For Outstanding Achievements in Science and Technology'. On the reverse, in the upper half, the name of the recipient and the date of the award with Lignum Vitae flowers around the border thereof and on the lower half an outline of the island of Jamaica with a representation of a molecular structure and an electronic circuit board superimposed within the outline of the island.
The ribbon, depicting the colours of the National Flag of Jamaica, is 3.8 cm in width and consists of vertical bands of black, gold and green.
AWARDEES
The Medal was presented in November to Professor Gerald Lalor and Dr. Arnoldo Ventura for their contribution to the field of science and technology, at the awards function at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. There were also three posthumous awardees - Dr. T.P. Lecky, Austin Thomas and Dr. Cicely Williams.
