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.
The Bahamas, September 10, 2025 – Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center in
Mobile, Alabama visited Nassau to train Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) members in water survival skills as part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) earlier this week.
“Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations” said Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander Drug Enforcement Unit.
The multi-day exercise, centered on the USCG’s Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), enhanced the safety and preparedness of Bahamian partners who routinely operate aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. The exercise provided hands-on instruction for 31 participants and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Bahamian agencies engaged in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security operations throughout the region.
“We were excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our expertise with our Bahamian partners. Not only did RBDF and RBPF
perform exceptionally well, they exceeded the standards we set for the event,” said Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson, USCG.
OPBAT is a cooperative multi-agency international operation supporting The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to stop illicit drug smuggling through the region. U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish stated, “Since 1982, OPBAT has worked to stop the flow of illicit narcotics through the Caribbean, destined for the United States or other jurisdictions. This is international cooperation at its best.”
Bahamas News
Department of Gender Affairs Congratulates Rev. Clare Robinson on Historic Induction as First Female President/Bishop of BTCI Conference of The Methodist Church
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 4 September 2025 — The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, extends heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Clare Robinson on her historic achievement of becoming the first woman in 213 years to be inducted as President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference (BTCI) of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA); a Momentous Occasion in the History of Gender Equality.
The Department of Gender Affairs proudly celebrates this moment of progress and inspiration, recognising Reverend Clare Robinson as a beacon of faith and leadership for generations to come. Reverend Robinson’s induction is a monumental triumph for women in leadership, for the Church, and for society as a whole. Her trailblazing journey affirms the limitless potential of women to lead with wisdom, faith, and courage.
The induction service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church, Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, in a landmark ceremony led by Reverend Ron Juan Simson, Connectional President of the MCCA. Joining in this historic occasion will be a high-level delegation from the Turks & Caicos Islands, underscoring the regional significance of this milestone and the unity of our Methodist community across the Caribbean and the Americas.
Born in South Caicos and raised in Grand Turk, Reverend Robinson is no stranger to breaking barriers. She is the first female itinerant
presbyter and the first female superintendent minister of both the North and South Turks & Caicos Islands circuits. Answering God’s call to full-time ministry in 2005, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Divinity, before serving faithfully within the MCCA. She will now lead 37 Methodist congregations across The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Reverend Robinson has been married to Mr. Irvin Robinson for 34 years, and together they are the proud parents of one daughter, Charnelle Robinson. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Robinson family for their unwavering support and understanding, which has been instrumental in Reverend Robinson’s journey and her ability to serve the Church and the community.
In celebrating this milestone, the Hon. Shaun David Malcolm MP, Minister of Home Affairs remarked:
“Today, we celebrate a truly historic achievement in the life of the Church and in the advancement of gender equality across our region. The induction of Reverend Clare Robinson as the first female President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church after 213 years, stands as a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in leadership. On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transport and in particular, the Department of Gender Affairs, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Robinson on this remarkable accomplishment. Her elevation to this sacred office affirms God’s call on her life and inspires every woman and girl to know that their gifts, talents, and service are vital to nation-building and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.”
We are confident that Reverend Robinson’s leadership will strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of our communities, as Minister responsible for Religious Affairs it is not only our responsibility but our obligation, to pledge and support as she embarks on this historic journey. May God grant her wisdom, courage, and grace as she fulfils this divine calling.
Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of gender Affairs, stated that “Reverend Robinson stands as living proof that faith knows no gender and leadership knows no bounds. Her induction is not just history, it is prophecy fulfilled. Her journey is a beacon of hope, not only for women of faith but for every woman who has ever been told her place was limited. Today, the glass ceiling within the Church has been shattered, and the sound of its breaking will echo for generations. This induction is more than a ceremony it is a revolution of possibility. To every girl across the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands who wonders if she is enough, Reverend Robinson’s achievement shouts back: You are more than enough. Let this moment ignite dreams, stir courage, and remind us all that when women rise, communities rise, nations rise, and the Kingdom of God is strengthened. This is just the beginning of a brighter future.
Additionally, the officers and members of the Women in Development and Women in Sports, extends heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Clare on this historic milestone. Your achievement is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to women everywhere who strive to lead, to serve, and to break new ground.
The Department of Gender Affairs stands proudly with Reverend Robinson, pledging to continue championing equality, empowerment, and leadership for all women and girls.
Congratulations Rev. Clare.
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