Earthquake Shakes Eastern Caribbean
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean on Saturday morning, sending tremors across several islands but causing no reported injuries, structural damage, or tsunami threat.
According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, the quake struck around 10:50 a.m. local time. Initial readings placed the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.5, but the United States Geological Survey later revised it to 6.0.
The epicenter was located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 70 kilometres east-southeast of Codrington in Antigua and Barbuda and roughly 80 kilometres northeast of St. John’s. Seismologists said the quake occurred at a shallow depth of about 30 kilometres, increasing the likelihood that it would be widely felt across the region.
Residents in Antigua and Barbuda reported strong and lengthy shaking, with some grocery items falling from shelves. Moderate tremors were also felt in Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Martinique and several other territories. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat associated with the earthquake.
Regional authorities are continuing to monitor for aftershocks, with the UWI Seismic Research Centre warning that additional tremors may occur in the coming days as the Eastern Caribbean remains situated along the active tectonic boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Advises The Public on Flag Laws
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wishes to remind the public of the provisions outlined under the Flag and National Symbols (Regulation) Act 19 of 2016, specifically Section 10 relating to the flying of foreign flags within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 10(1) states that a flag of a foreign nation shall not be flown in the Islands unless the Turks and Caicos Islands Flag is also flown.
This provision is intended to preserve and uphold national identity while ensuring that the TCI Flag is afforded due recognition and prominence alongside foreign national symbols displayed within the Territory.
Act 19 of 2016, Section 10. Flying foreign flags says (1) A flag of a foreign nation shall not be flown in the Islands unless the Turks and Caicos Islands Flag is also flown. A person who contravenes any provision of this Act for which no specific penalty is provided commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment of six months, or to both.
Grand Turk To Receive 4-Story Complex From Spence Security
On May 18th, the Spence Security Team held a groundbreaking ceremony in Grand Turk to celebrate the design of a new 4 story complex that will serve as Executive Offices and Suites. The state-of-the-art development will serve as a major security hub supporting police and crime-fighting efforts across Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos.
Here are the highlights from the ceremony.
Many in attendance share hope that this development can entice other entrepreneurs to consider Grand Turk as their next island of business.
Elina Svitolina Wins Italian Open
Elina Svitolina captured her third Italian Open title on Saturday after defeating Coco Gauff in a dramatic three-set final in Rome.
Svitolina battled for nearly three hours before emerging with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 victory to claim her fifth WTA 1000 title and first at that level since 2018.
The final lived up to expectations as both players produced a high-quality contest filled with momentum swings, long rallies and emotional moments. Gauff appeared in control early, taking a 4-2 lead in the opening set as Svitolina struggled to settle into the match. However, the Ukrainian responded by winning four straight games to steal the set. Gauff regrouped in the second set and showed resilience under pressure. After both players traded holds in a tense battle, the reigning French Open champion forced a tiebreak and dominated it to level the match and push the contest into a deciding third set. But Svitolina raised her level once again in the final set, securing a double break to take control before eventually sealing victory in front of an energetic Rome crowd.
The 31-year-old’s route to the title was particularly impressive, with wins over Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Gauff in consecutive matches. The victory also saw Svitolina make history as the first Ukrainian player in the Open Era to win 20 WTA singles titles.
Svitolina, who returned to tennis after giving birth to her daughter Skai, said the title carried special meaning.
She described the victory as an inspiration for mothers around the world and said she continues to draw motivation from representing Ukraine during difficult times.
The Rome triumph further strengthened Svitolina’s reputation as one of the strongest clay-court players on tour. She now holds a perfect 8-0 record in WTA clay-court finals and became the oldest woman to win three or more titles at a single WTA 1000 event, surpassing a previous mark held by Serena Williams.
With Roland Garros set to begin later this month, Svitolina heads into Paris as one of the form players on the women’s tour and a serious contender for the French Open title.
WHO Declares Ebola A Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases and deaths continue to rise across the region.
WHO Director-General announced the declaration on Sunday, warning that the outbreak could become significantly larger than what is currently being detected and reported. However, the agency stressed that the situation does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency similar to COVID-19 and advised countries against closing borders or restricting travel and trade. The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. It is only the third recorded outbreak involving this strain since it was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during a 2007 outbreak.
Health officials say the outbreak began in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri, near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. The region has since recorded hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, with authorities warning that insecurity, high population movement and limited healthcare access could accelerate the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization reported at least eight laboratory-confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with hundreds of suspected infections and around 80 suspected deaths. Cases have also been identified in major urban areas, including Bunia and Goma, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed two infections in Kampala, including one death. Both Ugandan patients had recently travelled from Congo.
Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit and saliva, or through contaminated materials. Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat and muscle pain before progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding and organ failure in severe cases.
Health experts say the Bundibugyo strain has historically had a fatality rate between 25 and 40 percent. Although Ebola is highly infectious, it is not considered highly contagious because it is not airborne. The WHO has urged Congo and Uganda to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, isolation procedures and infection prevention measures. International agencies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Doctors Without Borders, are also mobilising support teams to assist with containment efforts.
WHO officials say countries outside the affected region should remain vigilant but avoid panic, emphasizing that science-based measures and rapid response systems remain the best defence against wider international spread.
Tobago Police Intensify Search for Missing Child
Police in Tobago continue to investigate the disappearance of two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza as search efforts intensify and growing public concern grips the island.
Angelo was officially reported missing from his Goodwood Bay home around 7:30 p.m. on Monday night. However, investigators are now examining information suggesting the toddler may have disappeared sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning. The child’s mother, 22-year-old Kalifah Tobias, and her boyfriend, 25-year-old Shannon Miller, remain in police custody at separate stations as investigators continue questioning them in connection with the case. Superintendent Rodhil Kirk said police are consulting legal authorities to determine whether any charges may arise as enquiries continue.
Search operations involving police, the Coast Guard, Hunters Search and Rescue, private divers, volunteers and other agencies have continued across land and sea, but so far no sign of the child has been found. Authorities initially focused heavily on coastal searches after reports that Angelo may have wandered toward the sea. On Friday morning, a body believed to be that of the toddler was briefly spotted in rough waters off Goodwood Beach, but disappeared beneath the choppy sea before it could be recovered.
Search teams have since shifted greater attention inland, combing nearby hillsides, swampy areas, cassava fields, bushes and locations surrounding the child’s home. Hunters Search and Rescue said the search has been narrowed to specific areas based on information received during the investigation.
Meanwhile, emotions in the Goodwood community remain high as residents struggle to come to terms with the child’s disappearance. Tensions reportedly flared during search operations on Friday, with relatives and villagers becoming involved in heated confrontations near the shoreline. Residents described the atmosphere in the village as sombre, with many community members joining nightly and daily searches in hopes of finding Angelo. Several villagers said they felt heartbroken by the situation, particularly parents who identified with the family’s pain.
The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has also issued a statement urging parents and guardians to closely supervise children at all times. The authority stressed that young children should never be left unattended, especially around potential hazards.
Police say enquiries remain ongoing amid differing accounts surrounding the toddler’s disappearance.
Jamaican Prime Minister Visits Turks and Caicos
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has wrapped up an official visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he participated in the opening of Sandals Resorts International’s newest property and held discussions on regional security and economic cooperation.
According to a statement from Jamaica House, Holness traveled to the Turks and Caicos on Friday, May 15, for the official opening of Sandals Resorts International’s Treasure Beach Village. During his visit, the Jamaican leader also met with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force currently serving in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Holness praised the officers for their contribution to crime reduction efforts in the territory, noting that their deployment reflects the high level of training within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He said the Turks and Caicos government has expressed satisfaction with the work being carried out under the leadership of Commissioner Fitz Bailey.
The Prime Minister said he had the opportunity to inspect the officers and discuss the important work they are undertaking in the islands. He also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing crime, describing security as a shared Caribbean concern due to the transnational nature of criminal activity. In addition to security matters, Holness highlighted the role of the private sector in regional development. He pointed to Sandals Resorts as an example of a Jamaican brand successfully expanding beyond Jamaica while continuing to contribute to the country’s economy and international reputation. He also encouraged more Jamaican businesses and entrepreneurs to think regionally and globally as a way to grow national wealth and strengthen “Brand Jamaica” across the world.
During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang served as acting head of government.
Ministry Of Health Responds To Norovirus Cruise Fears
The Ministry of Health and Human Services says it is aware of concerns raised regarding the arrival of the Caribbean Princess cruise ship in Grand Turk on 15 May 2026, and wishes to reassure the public that all appropriate public health measures have been implemented to safeguard residents and visitors.
The Minister and Ministry of Health and Human Services confirms that its Public Health Team has maintained close and continuous communication with the ship's medical personnel, as well as key stakeholders at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre and Carnival Cruise Line, to monitor the situation and ensure compliance with established health and safety protocols.
The Caribbean Princess previously experienced a norovirus outbreak, a common viral illness that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Following the incident, the vessel returned to Florida where passengers disembarked and comprehensive sanitization and deep-cleaning procedures were completed before the ship resumed operations.
Based on ongoing assessments, communication with the vessel, and established port health protocols, the Ministry advises that there are currently no public health concerns associated with the ship's arrival in Grand Turk. As part of standard operating procedures, the Port Health Team conducted routine inspections and coordinated with relevant stakeholders at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre before and after the vessel's arrival. As an additional precautionary measure, the Ministry is encouraging members of the public - including vendors, taxi operators, tour operators, and business establishments to continue maintaining high standards of routine cleaning and sanitization. These preventative measures support ongoing efforts to minimize potential health risks and protect the well-being of the community.
The public is also reminded that frequent handwashing with soap and water remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of norovirus and other infectious illnesses. The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to protecting public health and will continue to monitor all points of entry in accordance with international health regulations and national public health guidelines.
Teen's Family Sues Energy Drink Distribution Company Over Daughters Death
The family of a 17-year-old student-athlete has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that excessive caffeine consumption from a popular energy drink led to her fatal heart condition.
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, described as a cheerleader, tennis player and honors student, died in October 2025. According to the lawsuit, her death was caused by cardiomyopathy linked to high caffeine intake. The suit, filed in Hidalgo County, names distributor Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and its Texas affiliate as defendants, accusing them of failing to adequately warn consumers about potential health risks.
According to court filings, Rodriguez consumed at least one can daily of Alani Nu energy drink in the months leading up to her death. Each 12-ounce can contains approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine double the recommended daily limit for teenagers.
Her family’s attorney, Benny Agosto Jr., argued that the drink was “defectively designed” and marketed without sufficient warnings about cardiac risks, particularly to young consumers. He also pointed to social media marketing strategies, claiming the brand targeted young women through influencers, contributing to Rodriguez’s regular consumption.
The Hidalgo County medical examiner determined Rodriguez died from an enlarged heart caused by stress and high caffeine intake, according to the lawsuit. Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and can lead to serious complications, including heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. Medical experts say excessive caffeine can elevate heart rate and, over time, contribute to heart strain. Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable due to lower body mass and faster metabolism.
Celsius Holdings, which owns Alani Nu, said in a statement that it complies with federal labeling requirements and clearly discloses caffeine content on its products. The company also noted that its drinks are not recommended for children, individuals sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women, and said it does not market to those under 18.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, while pediatric health authorities recommend teens limit intake to no more than 100 milligrams per day.
The case adds to increasing scrutiny of highly caffeinated beverages. In recent years, other companies have faced lawsuits over similar claims, including cases involving high-caffeine drinks linked to cardiac events. Rodriguez’s family is seeking at least $1 million in damages. Their attorney indicated that additional defendants, including manufacturers, could be added as the case develops.
TCI Border Force Warns About Harbouring Illegal Immigrants
TCI Border Force is issuing a warning on Immigration Offences and Reinforces Legal Consequences. The public is hereby reminded that harbouring or facilitating the entry of illegal migrants is a serious criminal offence under the Immigration Act, punishable by fines of up to $20,000 and up to four years of imprisonment and that authorities are fully committed to prosecuting anyone found in violation of these laws to the fullest extent.
The Border Force remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the integrity of our borders, safeguarding lawful employment, and upholding the rule of law. Any breach of the Immigration Act will be met with decisive enforcement action.
The public is reminded of the following legal provisions under the TCI Immigration Act;
1. Section 12(1) A person shall not engage in any gainful occupation in the Islands unless he is lawfully authorized to do so, including being in possession of a valid work permit or otherwise exempt under law.
2. Section 12(2) A person shall not employ another person who is prohibited from engaging in gainful occupation under subsection (1).
3. Section 95(2) Any person who employs an individual not lawfully permitted to work commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to:
a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both;
and, in the case of a continuing offence, an additional fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day the offence continues;
with the court further empowered, upon repeated offences, to suspend a business license for a period not exceeding six months.
4. Section 105 A person who assists or facilitates the transportation or entry into the Islands of an individual known, or reasonably suspected, to be an unlawful entrant commits an offence and is liable
on summary conviction, to a fine of $20,000 or imprisonment for four years, or both; or
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for up to seven years.
5. Section 105 Where such actions place individuals at risk: A person who facilitates unlawful entry in circumstances giving rise to a danger of death or serious harm is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for up to fourteen years.
6. Section 106 A person who knowingly harbours an individual unlawfully present in the Islands commits an offence and is liable:
on summary conviction, to a fine of $20,000 or imprisonment for four years, or both; or
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for up to seven years.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson stated: "The integrity of our borders is fundamental to our national security, economic stability, and the rule of law. The legislation is clear, and enforcement will be unwavering. Those who employ, harbour, or facilitate unlawful entry will face the full extent of the law. We call on all residents and businesses to act responsibly and support the protection of our Islands."
Anyone with information regarding irregular migration is strongly urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, through the Crime Stoppers P3 app or via email at tciintel@gov.tc.