Norman Manley tribute, fibroids awareness and refrigerant phase-out featured in Jamaica Magazine

The July 4 edition of Jamaica Magazine highlighted the birthday of National Hero Norman Washington Manley and also carried public-interest features on earthquake safety, uterine fibroids, Jamaica's refrigerant phase-out effort and customs clearance.

In observing Manley's birthday, the programme traced his life from Roxborough, Manchester, where he was born on July 4, 1893. It noted that he built a strong legal career before moving deeper into public life, including advocacy for banana growers and representation for workers during the 1938 labour unrest after Alexander Bustamante was arrested. The feature said Manley later formed the People's National Party in 1938, helped to secure full adult suffrage in 1944, pushed for self-government, led negotiations tied to Jamaica's independence after the West Indies Federation ended, served as Chief Minister after the 1955 election and later as Premier in 1958. It also recalled that he was married to Edna Swithenbank, had sons Michael and Douglas Manley, retired from politics in July 1969 and died that September at age 76 before being declared a national hero.

The programme also shared disaster advice for an earthquake, urging motorists not to stop under overpasses or on bridges and advising wheelchair users to lock their wheels and protect the head.

For Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month in July, the broadcast explained that fibroids are non-cancerous growths on the uterus and said family history, hormone activity during reproductive years and poor diet may increase risk. Raquel Bailey said her condition lasted almost nine years after it was first found during a check-up when she was about 27. She described severe pain, swelling in her abdomen, concern about pregnancy and a difficult period when the fibroids enlarged during her 2021 pregnancy. After giving birth, she underwent surgery and said doctors removed four fibroids, including one about the size of a basketball. The report said treatment may include tablets, injections or surgery, depending on symptoms and fertility plans.

Another segment said refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclamation centres launched in 2025 are supporting Jamaica's target of fully ending ozone-depleting refrigerants by 2030. Data cited from the Jamaica Customs Agency showed imports of 11.79 metric tonnes in 2025, far below the 96.4 metric tonnes allowed, placing the country at 96 per cent phase-out. The programme said NEPA's National Ozone Unit has trained 30 refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians at the University of Technology laboratory and that women are entering the field in greater numbers. It closed with a customs reminder encouraging people to request their Jamaica Customs C number to verify charges on shipments.