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TCI Residents shaken, now SpaceX test flights are grounded pending outcomes of FAA investigation

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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.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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