News
TCI Residents shaken, now SpaceX test flights are grounded pending outcomes of FAA investigation
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 19, 2025 – Clear, unobstructed views of the skies over the Turks and Caicos islands were an ideal canvas for a spectacular, albeit frightening show that materialised as a SpaceX starship engine disintegrated in real time, in mid-air on Thursday evening.
Even the moment of the explosion was caught on cell phone video by a guest staying at Norman’s Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands; NBC
news has shared that the video was credited to Marshall Sisson in an Instagram post.
For at least a 30-minutes, flights were suspended from Miami to the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos with some flights stuck in holding patterns or diverted in order to dodge disaster and to allow the airspace debris to clear.
Now, the United States has decided to ground the giant starship rocket of SpaceX, according to a BBC report. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is now working with SpaceX and has opened an investigation.
“UK partners will also be liaising with the TCI Environmental Health Department, Maritime Department and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources to consider any potential environmental issues that may occur on land or in the marine environment, but during initial discussions between the UK Space Agency and SpaceX, it has been confirmed that no Hydrazine was on board the Starship rocket,” said the Turks and Caicos Islands government on Saturday.
It was thrilling, crazy, scary and shocking. That is likely the reason, millions of people have viewed the scores of videos from varying vantage points which have been posted to social media by those rattled from their regular routine to witness the explosion.
“I heard a loud noise up here in Long Bay, but I’m afraid to look out,” said one resident of eastern Providenciales.
Another asked, “What was that? It shook my house. Crazy.”
We are now learning that the debris, which fell on some of the islands in the Turks and Caicos, cannot be ferreted away as a keepsake, because the property belongs to the owner of the rocket. It is also dangerous.
“Friday, 17 January, TCIG Officials convened a meeting with relevant partners in the United Kingdom including the UK Space Agency, who are supporting the post-incident response, including technical expertise on the handling of debris, health and safety risks, protocols and procedures. The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch have been notified and discussions are ongoing with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) who will liaise with SpaceX.
This is now an active investigation led by the US FAA in liaison with UK and TCI counterparts,” informed a Turks and Caicos Government advisory.
For just about everyone reporting on what they heard, felt and saw it started with a loud boom that shaked buildings and rattled emotions as residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands witnessed the explosion and splintering of a part of a SpaceX Starship over the islands.
A day later, there were expressions of relief.
“We are not at this time aware of any specific risks related to the re-entry of space debris on Thursday 16 January. However, space objects can sometimes contain hazardous materials which can cause serious harm to health. Members of the public who come across objects that they think might be space debris should take the following actions:
- Do not touch the object
- Make a note of the location (Island and exact coordinates) of the object and the time (including any maritime observations of debris)
- If possible take a photograph of the object (without touching it) alongside another object for scale
- Notify the authorities by sending the details to nationalsecurity@gov.tc with the subject title Space X Debris.
- Space debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner”
It was not an earthquake or the apocalypse (as many reported feeling at the time) but an explosion of part of an unmanned spacecraft, the largest in the fleet of SpaceX founder, Elon Musk. Musk is running a series of tests on the rockets for a program set to revolutionise the
scope of travel, by taking passengers literally out of this world and into outer space.
The test flight was set for a duration of 66 minutes. SpaceX, which launched from South Texas at 5:38pm experienced trouble after about 8 minutes in orbit.
From Forbes.com: “Shortly after the catch there was an issue, though: A SpaceX commentator on the livestream said, “we do believe that we have lost the ship during its ascent phase… during that ascent phase a couple of the engines dropped out and then shortly thereafter we lost communication.”
Parts of the rocket were picked up in Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk, according to residents who posted photos of the bits they had gathered.
“Elon Musk’s company has been told to carry out a mishap investigation by the FAA. It needs the results of that probe before a determination comes on whether the progressive space plan resumes flights, said a BBC news report on Saturday afternoon.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
