Bahamas News
SpaceX Starship Explodes, again; Islanders’ concern mounting
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
March 7, 2025 – First flight operators lost communications with the Starship8 rocket, then it exploded and was a clearly visible and spooky spectacle over Florida, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos islands; residents filmed the flaming fragments as they blazed across and then fell from the sky.
It was the second explosion of a test flight by SpaceX this year.
In the January fail, debris from Starship7 was strewn across the islands of the Turks and Caicos, bits grabbed up by residents who were eventually asked to turn them in, because the owners wanted to reclaim the property.
This time, it is believed the explosion happened over open water.
The mission launched at 6:30 p.m. local time from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas. All seemed well as the booster separated, reportedly as planned setting itself up for a successful landing within the “chopstick” arms of “Mechazilla,” or SpaceX’s launch tower near Brownsville, Texas.
The booster successfully navigated back to the launch pad, but the fate of the unmanned, 400ft spacecraft was much, much different and for those looking on, totally frightening.
In a USAToday report, it was said: “The explosion occurred despite SpaceX assuring that what mission teams learned from the seventh flight prompted them to make several modifications to the vehicle. The company provided more information on the cause of the explosion hours after the flight, while the Federal Aviation Administration is performing a mishap investigation.”
In the TCI, the United Kingdom got involved in the aftermath of the first explosion on January 16, 2025; some residents reported being traumatised by the sudden boom which erupted over the islands with no notice. Now, residents are better prepared for entry into TCI airspace of the spacecraft. The launches continue despite an ongoing FAA and CAA investigation into the January incident.
TCIG shared a notification on Monday, the original day of the eventually scrubbed test flight. Another notice came on Wednesday March 5, and another on Thursday March 6; each giving mariners a map of the area which could be affected by what the Turks and Caicos government described as, “hazardous operations” in the Starship 8 mission. It was not explained precisely what caused the earlier test flights were cancelled.
It was like deja vu, as residents who had eyes on the skies, again witnessed an almost identical explosion event.
“We wish to advise the public that this evening’s SpaceX launch appears to have broken up in flight. We are in contact with the US FAA, SpaceX and UK agency leads to confirm the position. Post incident protocols have been engaged.
The National Security Secretariat will continue to keep the public apprised as we work to ensure the safety and security of our islands,” informed the Office of the Governor.
In the US, commercial flight operations were interrupted.
CNN reported: “The Federal Aviation Administration halted flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando airports Thursday evening for “falling space debris” until 8 p.m. ET.
The FAA also temporarily kept flights from departing from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport. Flights leaving those airports were still delayed on average by 30 and 45 minutes, respectively, as of Thursday night.”
SpaceX also issued a statement.
Starship flew within a designated launch corridor. Any surviving debris would have fallen within the pre-planned Debris Response Area. There are no toxic materials present in the debris and no significant impacts expected to occur to marine species or water quality.
If you believe you have identified a piece of debris, please contact your local authorities or the SpaceX Debris Hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or at recovery@spacex.com.
The exact crash location is unclear.
Bahamas News
Caribbean Wines & Spirits Displays Portfolio Evolution and Innovation with a Spectacular Showcase
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor hosted a spectacular showcase to celebrate the evolution of its portfolio while highlighting their innovative products.
The event was held at The Bahamas National Trust’s Retreat Garden as an opportunity to educate customers on how the company has
grown its product listing since 2020.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Commercial Officer of Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, and sister company to CWS shared her thoughts during the event.
“CWS was birthed with the goal of offering Bahamians premium wines and spirits. Over the years we have grown to be an alcohol beverage provider known for our quality products and excellent service. As we grow each year striving to continuously satisfy our clients and consumers, we are proud at the expansion of our portfolio.”
The showcase was a testament to CWS’s steady growth and strategic planning. The company that started with only one brand, House of Angostura and 14 Stock Keeping Units (SKU) has now grown to over 40 brands and 350 SKUs.
Waylon McHardy, General Manager for Caribbean Wines & Spirits shared what inspired the tradeshow that took place in “grand style”.
“We decided to celebrate our growth by showcasing our evolution along with the incredible products offered in our portfolio. As a team
we’re elated by the expansion of our portfolio, appreciative of our loyal customers and proud of our Team Members across the organization who continue to embrace a customer-centric mindset, which also calls for celebration.” McHardy expressed.
The event categorized its wines and spirits into two sections, the ‘Americas’ and ‘Europe’. Each product had a brand ambassador at their respective stations offering consumers a better understanding of the product’s origins and taste.
While CWS is known for providing quality products, a few key brands wowed guests that night. Fan-favorites were: ABK6 Cognac, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, El Tequileno, Caposaldo Moscato and Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port.
Another highlight of the night was the introduction of two new products in CWS’ inventory; El Tequileno an award-winning tequila and ABK6 a single estate cognac.
McHardy revealed that tequila is the fastest-growing category in the beverage industry globally. Aiming to always compete and provide a
variety of products, CWS secured El Tequileno, a multi–International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and Spirits Business Awards winner for tequila; which can now be purchased and enjoyed locally.
Cognac, a highly popular spirit within the country presented a gap in CWS’ portfolio, which was filled with the introduction of ABK6. This “innovative” product, made with diligence and integrity in each step makes for a delightful taste on the pallet.
Guests savored a variety of hand-crafted cocktails at the El Tequileno Tequila and Nemiroff Vodka stations which heightened their taste buds.
The night was a celebratory affair without a doubt, however McHardy shared the overall goal of the event.
“We want customers to leave feeling valued and appreciated with a deeper understanding of our organization’s mission, which is to serve as a business partner for our customers while seeking to meet the needs of our consumers.” McHardy disclosed.
As the year progresses, consumers can enjoy products at the company’s growing monthly Block Parties and samplings. Also be on the
lookout for a fun summer calendar that will include multiple islands in The Bahamas.
To keep up to date on exciting events and new products visit CWS’ website at www.cwsbahamas.com and follow-on social media at @caribbeanwinesandspirits.
Bahamas News
Bahamas Maritime Authority launches campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The Bahamas, March 22, 2025 – Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis attended meetings in London, UK, in support of the Bahamas Maritime Authority’s launch of Bahamas Candidacy for re-election to the IMO under Category “C”.
The minister reported, “the importance of the country’s membership on the Council, is not only because of its active and regulatory leadership with the IMO at the Council and Committee level, but also because of its Shipping Register – recognised internationally for its quality – and the expectation of the ship owners of Bahamas-flagged vessels that the country retains a seat on the Council.”
During week of March 10, 2025 Minister Coleby-Davis, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Ambassador Paul Rolle, BMA CEO Captain Hutchinson, Board Chair Jacqui Simmons, Deputy Chair Peter Goulandris and Port Controller Berne Wright met with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez Velasco in discussing three important areas of concern: 1) Maritime Safety and Security- Environment; 2) Safety and Training of Seafarers; and 3) Equity and Diversification in the Maritime Sector.
Additionally, the Minister met with the following Excellencies:
- AMBASSADOR OF BELGIUM TO THE UK – HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JEROEN COOREMAN;
- AMBASSADOR OF SAUDI ARABIA TO THE UK – HIS EXCELLENCY HRH PRINCE KHALID bin BANDAR bin SULTAN AL SAUD;
- AMBASSADOR OF QATAR TO THE UK – HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIK ABDULLAH bin MOHAMMED bin SAUD AL THANI;
- AMBASSADOR OF COLUMBIA TO THE UK – EXCELLENCY ROY BARRERAS; and,
- AMBASSADOR OF OMAN TO THE UK – EXCELLENCY BADR MOHAMMED BADR ALMANTHERI.
The minister stated: “These collaborative meetings were to discuss ways member states can work together on addressing matters related to maritime security, efficiency and digitization. Additionally, it was to encourage support for SIDS as some regulatory mandates focused on global transition to cleaner fuels by our vessels may have negative impacts and therefore member states are discussing a balanced and equitable approach to sustainability.”
(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
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