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FAA systems fails, slams 3 hour break on air travel 

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

#UnitedStates, January 11, 2023 – An unprecedented three hour disruption in flights across the United States on Wednesday morning sent frustrating ripples south to the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the majority of air traffic to the islands originates from the north and the United States.

It was described as a major shutdown of the system of the FAA.  The rare technical glitch is now attracting serious questions about the effectiveness of safety systems and the need for urgent upgrades at the US Federal Aviation Administration.  The cause of that glitch is still unknown.

Around 11 am, Magnetic Media was on the phone to Arlington Musgrove, the Minister of Immigration and Border Security who confirmed delays had already been recorded for the tourism dependent UK overseas territory and would “certainly result in delays and challenges for those with connecting flights.”

The TCIs first flight unspecified by the Minister was pushed back to 12:35 pm and another, United 1465, had an inbound delay of 3-hours resulting in a push back to 1:17 pm.

As time passed we got more back to back updates with at least three American Airlines flights pushed back

“AA1900 now delayed 1 hr, was scheduled to arrive at 13:12.   AA1527 delayed 1 hour, originally scheduled to arrive at 14:41.   AA879 delay 2 hours, originally scheduled to arrive at 14:21.”  The Minister shared.

The  US emergency ground order came at 7:15 Wednesday morning following what the FAA is describing as an overnight outage.  The outage affected the Notice to Air Missions system (NOTAM) which provides safety information to flight crews and forced a nearly three hour halt in flights as the Agency struggled to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.

US President Joe Biden had revealed that they were working to find the cause of the incident but that flights could still land safely if they were already in the air, just not take off.   The FAA confirmed this on Twitter.

“All flights currently in the sky are safe to land.   Pilots check the NOTAM system before they fly.   A Notice to Air Missions alerts pilots about closed runways, equipment outages, and other potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the flight.”

Though the stop order was lifted by 8:51 and the FAA resumed regular flight activity, the damage was done.

According to flight monitoring website Flight Aware between 7 and 11 am Wednesday there were 4,592 delays within, into, or out of the United States and 838 cancellations already.

More than a third of the delays (1742)  and 206 cancellations were domestic.

Bahamas News

D-Squad Basketball Celebrates 20 years with CWCO’s Support  

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS (July 8, 2025) What began as a small effort to give young people a constructive outlet has grown into an impactful summer camp with participants benefiting from structured practices, personal development sessions, and opportunities to compete. This year marked two incredible decades since D-Squad Basketball has been shaping not just athletes, but leaders.

From day one, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd. (CWCO) has believed in the program’s mission to build character, discipline, and drive in the next generation of Bahamians through the game of basketball.

The D-Squad camp welcomes dozens of boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 19, offering structured training, mentorship, and a safe, empowering space to grow each year. With core values of drive, determination, dedication, and discipline at its foundation, the program has become a staple in the community. It has launched the dreams of young Bahamians and provided lifelong lessons both on and off the court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         CWCO Board Member, Ethan Adderley, said “Investing in our youth is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build a stronger Bahamas. Programs like D-Squad Basketball offer structure, mentorship, and a sense of purpose. CWCO is proud to stand behind Coach McCoy and the work he’s doing to develop future leaders.”

The water supplier has funded equipment, uniforms, and other essential items so no child is left behind due to financial hardship. From first-time dribblers to college-bound athletes, D-Squad Basketball has reached hundreds of participants over the years.

Founder of D-Squad Basketball, Coach Harcourt McCoy, said, “D-Squad is more than basketball. It is a family, a mindset, and a movement.”

He added, “We have seen kids come through the program and go on to do great things, not just because they were good players, but because they learned how to push through, how to lead, how to believe in themselves. CWCO has been with us from the beginning, and thanks to their belief in our mission, we have been able to reach more children each year.”

As D-Squad celebrates this milestone year, CWCO is honored to continue investing in a program that proves what’s possible when a community comes together to lift its youth.

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Bahamas News

Carnival’s Celebration Key Set to Open July 19, 2025, Marking a Major Milestone for Grand Bahama

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Grand Bahama, Bahamas, July 14, 2025 – The highly anticipated Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination on Grand Bahama Island, is set to officially open on July 19, 2025. This momentous occasion is expected to be a game-changer for the island’s tourism and economy, ushering in a new era of opportunities for local residents and businesses.

The inaugural docking will feature the Carnival Vista, arriving at the port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy will lead the celebrations, highlighting the collaboration between Carnival and The Bahamas to bring this vibrant new destination to life.

Celebration Key is Carnival’s first major project on Grand Bahama in over two decades. The sprawling port features five uniquely themed areas, including the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons and the impressive 10-story Suncastle water playground. With a range of dining, entertainment, and retail options, the site promises an immersive experience tailored exclusively for Carnival guests.

Ahead of the grand opening, top Bahamian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper, Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, and State Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Zane Lightbourne, toured Celebration Key. Their visit underscored the importance of this development for the island’s future and the broader tourism sector.

With its stunning natural beauty and fresh amenities, Celebration Key is poised to become a premier destination in the Caribbean cruise market — a win for Carnival, Grand Bahama, and The Bahamas as a whole.

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Bahamas News

Jazz Chisholm Named to 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Capping Comeback with Flair and Firepower

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

“I think I worked hard for it and earned it.”

Those were the words of Bahamian baseball star Jazz Chisholm Jr. after being named to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, marking his second career selection.  The 27-year-old infielder will represent the New York Yankees at the Midsummer Classic, set for Tuesday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET, live from Truist Park in Atlanta and broadcast on FOX.

The announcement comes as The Bahamas celebrates its 52nd year of Independence, amplifying the pride felt across the archipelago for one of its most beloved athletic sons.

Chisholm’s All-Star nod is particularly meaningful after he overcame an injury scare earlier in the season.  Since returning to action on June 3, he has been electric — batting .308 with eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and four stolen bases in just 29 games.  His season line now includes a .245 average, 15 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 10 steals in 59 games.

“You work hard, and to get the recognition, it’s amazing,” Chisholm said.  “It got harder once I got hurt, but I came back and got hot.”

Known as much for his on-field explosiveness as his off-field style, Chisholm teased his upcoming appearance at the All-Star red carpet with a signature swagger.  “I do have a fit in mind,” he said with a grin.  “But you guys will just have to see it.”

Chisholm joins Aaron Judge and Max Fried as the Yankees’ All-Star representatives.  Yankees manager Aaron Boone will lead the American League squad, after guiding New York to the AL pennant in 2024.

“What Jazz has been doing all year — hitting the ball all over the field, making some great plays — it’s been pretty great,” Judge said of his teammate.

For young Bahamians watching at home, Jazz is more than just a Major Leaguer.  He is a symbol of possibility, pride, and perseverance — especially during Independence week.  His journey from Nassau to Yankee Stadium continues to inspire.

As Bahamians across the nation tune in on Tuesday night, they’ll be watching not just an All-Star — but one of their own lighting up baseball’s brightest stage.

Let’s go, Jazz!

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