Caribbean News
TCI: No date, but Carnival will return with larger ships at an expanded pier; investment announces as $25 million
#TurksandCaicos, June 19, 2021 – Four months from now Grand Turk could be welcoming the biggest names and brands and vessels in cruising, and when the passengers descend upon the island it will be overwhelming in terms of the numbers. What the Turks and Caicos Islands Government hopes and Carnival Cruise Line executives want, is for the experience to be greatly enhanced and far from under-whelming, whenever that day comes.
An $8.5 million Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Carnival Infrastructure Fund will support refurbishment and development to ensure the visitor experience is unforgettable for all of the right reasons. Enhancements in Grand Turk, despite the sizeable cash storage, have been slow, however both parties, on Thursday, re-committed to spending from the fund.
“We have toured the island, we have spoken about how the infrastructure Fund will manage, because of that conversation, I expect that you will see a more orderly and more timely draw down of the funds that will be re-invested. The focus will have to be on the physical, the cultural and the cultural heritage of these islands. This is a fragile environment; we are looking at expanding the tourism product both land-based and cruise-based. The Government will be making significant investment alone or along with Carnival to do everything that we can to preserve the culture and the architecture,” said Hon. Washington Misick, TCI Premier in addressing questions posed at a public meeting held on June 17.
Carnival Corporation’s Senior Executive team flew into Grand Turk for the two-hour meeting with key government leaders, namely: Washington Misick, Premier & Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade; Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North; Akierra Misick, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development and Josephine Connolly, the Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Environment, Culture, Marine Resources and Heritage.
From Carnival Corporation, there was: Gioria Israel, Sr Vice President of Global Ports for Carnival Corporation; Marie McKenzie, VP of Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relationships; Raquel Mota, Health Environment & Safety manager; David Candib, who managed construction of the port; Franklyn Diaz, is the new ports manager for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos and Desmond Hall, the local Operations Manager.
The high level meeting was held at the Grand Turk Cruise Center around 3 p.m. on June 17, 2021; it was followed by a two-hour walking tour of the capital and on Friday, a meeting was planned with Carnival staff on the island.
“One of the big things we are looking at is how we can provide incentive to encourage investment in the historic district, but also, particularly so in our traditional communities. I am here today to reinforce our relationship and our partnership with Carnival to ensure that once they return we can operate in partnership, in an orderly basis so that everyone who has an interest in the cruise sector can benefit,” said Hon Misick at the meeting.
Areas viewed were South Base; a government zone badly destroyed when hurricanes Irma and Maria battered Grand Turk within a week of each other in September 2017. The delegation, in golf carts, moved along the historic lanes of Duke and Front Streets with stops at Osprey Beach, which led them pass deserted businesses, the unoccupied Welcome Center and the dilapidated buildings, all flanking Columbus Landfall National Park. There was also a walk through Middle Street.
“We are committed to making this the best visitor experience, but also the best experience for those of us who live and work here by redeveloping and repositioning our tourism product to be the best that it could be in any small island. Carnival has demonstrated their commitment during the talks to helping us achieve that.”
The quaint, historic island is the capital of the Turks and Caicos and at less than seven square miles, with a population around 4,800 people (probably less with the loss of the cruise industry), it is predicted cruise calls will bring with them more than double the residency.
“Twenty-three per cent of guests book tours on the ship. That means all of the other guests are available to go on tours or to do whatever activity they may chose, so I believe there is enough business for everyone,” said the Premier.
Everyone, could possibly include a new cruise line and definitely includes expansion of the current gangway at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
“The overall project of expanding the pier so that we can take the Mardi Gras; that project only is about $25 million. We are ready to commence work. We have worked with Government on some of the permitting, some have already been granted and we are working on the details, explained Giora Israel, Senior Vice President of Global Ports, Carnival Corporation who added: “…that will allow the Mardi Gras come in with two gangways which means we can have people get off the ship very, very quickly. This activity is very important to make sure we can take the ship. There are not many ports that can take this ship, we are delighted to advise you that the Mardi Gras, and its sister ship, Celebration – in about a year and a half from now – they are scheduled to come here.”
The two vessels named by Mr. Isael boast many firsts including being the only LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered cruise ships in the Americas and in the case of the Mardi Gras, which arrived at its home port in Port Canaveral, Florida on June 4, 2021 it features the first rollercoaster at sea.
No date was announced about when the cruise industry will reboot for Turks and Caicos and when Carnival Cruise ships will return to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, however, the new PNP Government Administration through the premier assured it is committed to reversing the economic contraction which forced a pause on cruising since March 13, 2020.
Flow Cayman recognised for six decades of National Development and Digital Leadership
Miami, FLORIDA (January 27, 2026) — Leading connectivity provider Flow Cayman has been honoured with a National Recognition Award for its role as a ‘Builder of Cayman’.
The award, which was presented by the Government of the Cayman Islands during a ceremony to mark National Heroes Day on January 26,
acknowledges Flow’s 60-year partnership in building the communications infrastructure and digital capabilities that underpin national development. Since the introduction of the islands’ earliest telephone services, Flow has continuously invested in both physical and human infrastructure that enable modern life and commerce. Those investments, which range from expansive fibre networks and resilient core infrastructure to the rapid deployment of 5G across the islands, have helped the Cayman Islands compete globally while strengthening services and opportunities at home.
In a historic moment in June 2024, the Cayman Islands became the first territory in the Caribbean to experience 5G connections after Flow officially switched on the first of its 5G-enabled cell towers – a move that ushered in the fifth generation of mobile technology across the islands.
“This national recognition reflects a relationship built on trust, service and purpose,” said Bruno Delhaise, Country Manager, Flow Cayman.
“Our work connects students to education, entrepreneurs to opportunities, clinicians to patients, and governments to their citizens. Being named a ‘Builder of Cayman’ is a profound honour and a reminder of the responsibility we carry to invest in resilient networks, nurture local
talent, and create opportunities that uplift our communities.” Flow’s contribution to national development extends beyond connectivity. Through partnerships with government, private sector organisations and community groups, Flow has focused on creating digital pathways for Caymanians including vocational training and apprenticeships that build local careers in technology and engineering, to programmes that help small and medium enterprises trade and scale online, and initiatives that expand household access to the digital economy.
“In our evolution from a traditional telco to a technology-first company, our objective is to turn network capability into tangible outcomes for Caymanians,” said Susanna O’Sullivan, VP, North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow and Liberty Business.
“That means faster, more reliable services but also better healthcare access, more resilient public services, safer and more efficient
businesses, and expanded economic opportunity for people across the islands. We will honour this recognition by continuing to invest in people, partnerships and programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value.” O’Sullivan also paid tribute to Flow’s local team in the Cayman Islands. “Thank you to everyone at Flow Cayman and beyond for the role you play in making moments like this possible. We take great pride in this recognition, and it inspires us to keep building and connecting the communities we serve.”
A week of wind, water, and heartbreak
From Haiti’s hillsides to Bermuda’s reefs, seven Caribbean nations have been battered, bruised, and forever marked by Hurricane Melissa — a storm that tested not only the region’s infrastructure but its unshakable spirit of unity.
Saturday–Sunday, October 25–26 – The First Strike: Hispaniola
Before the storm even earned its name, torrential rain and flash floods swept across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming lives and
tearing through rural communities.
In southern Haiti, rivers burst their banks, swallowing roads and homes; 23 people were confirmed dead by Sunday evening. Across the border, one death was reported in the Dominican Republic as swollen rivers cut off villages in Barahona and Pedernales.
By nightfall, the tropical system had strengthened — and the Caribbean knew it was facing something historic.
Monday, October 27 – Evacuations and Airlifts
In The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a mandatory evacuation for the MICAL Islands — Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, and Ragged Island.
Bahamasair added extra flights as the nation braced for what forecasters warned could become the strongest storm in nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and Cuba activated their national emergency operations centers.
Tuesday, October 28 – Jamaica and Haiti Hit Hard
By afternoon, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near St Elizabeth, Jamaica, as a Category 5 hurricane — winds of 185 mph, central pressure 892 mb, the lowest ever recorded so close to the island.
Roads collapsed, bridges washed away, and Black River Hospital lost its roof. Power failed for 72 percent of the island.
BOJ TV footage shows split asphalt, sparking lines, and flooded communities abandoned for safety.
Initially four were reported dead, that grew to seven deaths and heavy damage in 170 communities; Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister calling it “a national test of resilience.”
Haiti, still recovering from the weekend’s flooding, was hit again as outer bands dumped more rain on Les Cayes and Jacmel, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Wednesday, October 29 – Crossing to Cuba
Weakened slightly to Category 4 (145 mph), Melissa tracked north-northeast at 8 mph, hammering eastern Cuba with hurricane-force winds
and mudslides. Over 15 000 people were evacuated from Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.
In Turks & Caicos, the Regiment deployed to Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South, North and Middle Caicos, preparing shelters and securing public buildings.
Thursday, October 30 – The Bahamas and the All Clear
Melissa’s speed increased, sparing the northern Caribbean its worst.
The Bahamas Airport Authority closed 13 airports from Mayaguana to Exuma International; none reported casualties, though infrastructure suffered.
In Turks & Caicos, the all-clear came early Thursday after minimal impact. Premier Washington Misick expressed gratitude and pledged support for neighbors:
“We must act — not only with words, but with compassion and deeds.”
Friday, October 31 – Counting the Cost
By Friday, Melissa had weakened to Category 3 (120 mph) north of Cuba.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued its final alert, lifting warnings for the southern islands.
Regional toll:
- Haiti: 23 dead, thousands displaced.
- Jamaica: 7 dead, 170 communities damaged; 72% without electricity
- Cuba: 2 dead, 15, 000 evacuated.
- Dominican Republic: 1 dead, flooding in southwest.
- Bahamas: 0 dead, minor infrastructure damage and flooding in southeast.
- Turks & Caicos: minimal to no impact.
Relief and Reconnection
The Cayman Islands became the first government to touch down in Jamaica post-storm. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a contingent bringing a plane-load of essentials and pledged US $1.2 million in aid.
Reggae icon Shaggy arrived on a private jet with friends, delivering food, medical kits, and hygiene supplies.
Meanwhile, Starlink and FLOW Jamaica activated emergency satellite internet across Jamaica providing free connectivity through November.
From overseas, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking during his Asia tour, announced that American search-and-rescue teams and disaster aid will support the region.
“They can depend on U.S. assistance as they recover from this historic storm,” he said.
Faith, Funds, and False Websites
The Government of Jamaica and the Sandals Foundation have both launched verified donation portals for recovery. Officials are warning against fake crowdfunding pages posing as relief sites and urging donors to use only official channels.
A Seventh Nation in the Crosshairs – Bermuda
As Hurricane Melissa left the Caribbean basin, Bermuda found itself next in line.
Forecasts indicated the storm would pass just west of the island late Thursday into Friday, likely as a Category 1 to 2 hurricane with sustained winds near 105 mph.
Though far weaker than when it ravaged Jamaica, officials issued a hurricane warning, urging residents to secure property and expect tropical-storm conditions.
By all appearances Bermuda is heeding the warnings
The Human Response
Across the Caribbean, solidarity surged.
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Miami began airlifting relief supplies, while churches, civic groups, and businesses in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos organized drives for displaced families.
“Your dedication gave our islands the strength to face the storm,” Premier Misick said. “Together, as one Caribbean family, we will rise stronger.”
Resilience in the Wake
Melissa’s winds may have faded, but her impact endures. Engineers are inspecting bridges, hillsides, and water systems; volunteers are clearing debris and distributing aid in communities still cut off.
From Haiti’s ravaged river valleys to Jamaica’s sugar towns, from Cuba’s eastern hills to The Bahamas’ salt ponds and Bermuda’s reefs, the region once again stands at the crossroads of ruin and renewal — and leans, as always, toward hope and a faithful God
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