Martinique Officially Joins the CARICOM Community
Martinique has officially joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as its seventh Associate Member, marking a major step in the regional organization’s continued expansion ahead of its annual Heads of Government summit in Saint Lucia.
CARICOM announced that Martinique’s Associate Membership became effective on June 16, 2026, after the completion of the legal procedures required for the French overseas territory to formally enter the regional bloc.
The development follows the signing of the Associate Membership agreement in February 2025.
In June 2026, the Government of the French Republic submitted the Instrument of Accession, enabling the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of CARICOM to take effect and finalize Martinique’s membership.
As an Associate Member, Martinique is now eligible to participate in CARICOM’s meetings and activities. The territory is taking part in the Fifty-first (51st) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which is being held in Saint Lucia from July 5th to 8th.
Martinique’s admission increases the number of CARICOM Associate Members to seven, reinforcing the Community’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and deepening ties with non-independent Caribbean territories.
Adesha Gustave Crowed Miss International TCI 2026
TCI's First Miss International Queen Farrah Grant has relinquished her title.
We wish Adesha all the best on her reign!
TCI's Director of DMV, Wilbur Caley Retires from Public Service
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the retirement of Wilbur Caley, Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), following nearly four decades of public service to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Caley officially retired on June 30, 2026. Deputy Director Jenika Laporte-Porter has been appointed Acting Director with immediate effect and will oversee the department until a permanent appointment is made.
Caley’s career in the public service spanned almost 40 years, serving in both the Customs Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
He joined the DMV—then known as the Road Safety Department—as Deputy Director on December 7, 2015, with responsibility for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos. He later served as Acting Director in 2019 before being appointed Director in 2021.
In a statement, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Akierra M. D. Missick praised Caley’s long-standing commitment to public service and his leadership of the department.
“Director Caley has devoted decades of service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Ministry is deeply grateful for his outstanding contribution and steadfast leadership. Throughout his tenure, he played an instrumental role in shaping a department whose work touches the daily lives of residents, businesses, and the travelling public.”
The Ministry said the Department of Motor Vehicles is entering a new phase of modernization, with continued efforts focused on improving service delivery, advancing legislative reforms, strengthening road safety and licensing standards, embracing digital innovation, and developing a modern transportation regulatory framework to support the sustainable growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM MONDAY JULY 6TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: Building high pressure will promote breezy conditions and increasingly drier and stable conditions, as a thick plume of Saharan dust acts to reduce visibility and air quality through tonight.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: A Dust Advisory is in effect for the Turks & Caicos Islands. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny and hazy. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots with higher gusts
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 01:37 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 07:56 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Warm, hazy, and breezy conditions are expected to persist into midweek, as high pressure and Saharan dust continue to dominate. A tropical wave is expected to approach the Turks and Caicos Islands Wednesday evening, bringing periods of unsettled weather through Thursday evening. Conditions will then improve heading into the weekend as high pressure builds across the region.
TUESDAY: Partly sunny and hazy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 25 knots with gusts to near gale.
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:11 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:57 AM (2.3 FT) 02:37 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:11 AM (0.7 FT) 09:04 PM (1.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers in the afternoon. Partly sunny, then a mix of sun and clouds in the afternoon, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 79°F (26°C). There is a marginal to slight risk of severe thunderstorms.
WINDS: Easterly at 15 to 20 knots with higher gusts.
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet, building up to 7 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:11 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:54 AM (2.0 FT) 03:42 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:05 AM (0.7 FT) 10:15 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: DR. H. HAMILTON
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Saks Emerges From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Revamps Company
Saks Global, the parent company of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday with fewer stores, less debt, a more focused strategy to pamper the affluent — and a new name.
The company said Friday that the new entity will be called Exemplar Luxury Group, and with an improved balance sheet, including a nearly 75% debt reduction and $500 million in extra financing. Its CEO, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, said the New York-based company is ready for its next chapter after navigating several tumultuous years.
Van Raemdonck said that the new name signifies the company's focus on having an exemplary shopping experience — the best merchandise, and better personalized service with customers, with help from its sales associates and the treasure trove of data it has on its customers. The company employs more than 1,500 sales associates who have sold more than $1 million of goods each, he said.
Saks Global had filed for bankruptcy protection in January of this year, buffeted by rising competition and the massive debt it took on to buy its rival in the luxury sector, Neiman Marcus, in July 2024.
Before the bankruptcy, there were 33 Saks stores and 36 Neiman Marcus locations, according to the company, as well as its Bergdorf Goodman store on Fifth Avenue and roughly 70 Saks Off 5th discount stores.
Now, there are a total of 49 stores — 15 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 33 Neiman Marcus stores and its Bergdorf Goodman store. The company shuttered most of its Saks Off Fifth discount stores, and it now has 12 outlets, the company said.
Exemplar Luxury Group said it has been teaming up with Pentwater Capital Management and Bracebridge Capital throughout its restructuring process. Both firms will have two representatives on the seven-person board. In addition, van Raemdonck as well as former Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell and Philippe Schaus, who most recently served as Global CEO of Moët Hennessy, will serve on the board, the company said.
Recall on Zapp's and Dirty Brand Potato Chips
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated a voluntary recall of several potato chip products as a Class I recall, the agency's highest risk classification, over concerns of possible salmonella contamination.
Utz Quality Foods originally announced the recall on May 5, affecting select varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand potato chips. The company said it took action after a third-party supplier notified it that a seasoning blend containing dry milk powder may have been contaminated with Salmonella.
Although Utz said the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before they were used in production, the company decided to recall the products as a precaution.
In an enforcement report released Wednesday, the FDA confirmed that all six affected products have been classified as a Class I recall. The agency reserves this designation for situations in which there is a reasonable probability that using or consuming the affected product could result in serious health consequences or death.
Utz emphasized that the recall was initiated "out of an abundance of caution" following the supplier's notification, despite the company's own testing showing no evidence of contamination in the seasoning batches.
The company voluntarily recalled nine varieties of Zapp's and Dirty Brand chip flavors and bag sizes, which Utz said were sold at retail stores nationwide:
1.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
2.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
8-ounce Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
2-ounce Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
1.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60-count)
2-ounce Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
2.5-ounce Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
8-ounce Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
2-ounce Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
According to Utz, no other products produced by the food manufacturer are included in the recall.
South Korean Football Coach Resigns Amid World Cup Elimination
South Korean football coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday following the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the World Cup, a result that prompted fierce criticism from country President Lee Jae Myung, who described the coach as “incapable” and ordered a sweeping review of the national team program.
South Korea opened its campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic before suffering consecutive Group A defeats to South Africa and Mexico.
The team still harbored hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-place finishers, but those hopes were defeated on Saturday when Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1.
The early elimination stunned a team widely expected to reach the knockout stage and plunged the national program into turmoil.
Team coach Hong Myung-bo, 57 years old, announced his resignation before the squad departed its base camp in Mexico, where South Korea played all three of its group matches. He apologized to Korean fans and accepted responsibility for the team’s failure.
It was Hong’s second spell in charge of the national team. He also coached South Korea at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the team likewise failed to progress beyond the group stage.
South Korea has qualified for the World Cup 11 consecutive times and reached the semifinals when it co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
President Lee has directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive review of the national team program and the factors behind its latest World Cup failure.
Small Plane Crashes Into Beijing's Tallest Building
On Friday, June 26, 2026, a small light-sport aircraft crashed into CITIC Tower (also known as China Zun), the tallest skyscraper in Beijing, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people on the ground and inside the building.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. local time during rush hour in the city's busy Central Business District.
The car-sized plane struck the upper floors of the 108-story, 1,732-foot tower, smashing a hole and shattering large glass panels.
The impact sent heavy chunks of wreckage and building debris, including the aircraft's tail section, plummeting onto the streets below.
The Chaoyang district government confirmed that the pilot was the sole occupant of the plane and died in the crash.
The plane was identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, a domestically produced, single-engine, two-seat light-sport aircraft. Flight data showed the aircraft belonged to Shuangyue General Aviation, a regional flight training and sightseeing company.
The flight departed from an airfield in Beijing's eastern Pinggu district (about 30 miles east of the city). It heavily deviated from its typical training route, flying west directly into the heavily restricted airspace of downtown Beijing.
Police, firefighters, and emergency crews quickly locked down the area, cordoning off surrounding roads and evacuating the tower.
The exact motive and cause of the crash—whether it was a mechanical failure, medical emergency, or deliberate act—remain under official investigation.
Saint Lucia Partners with RestoringVision to Expand Access to Eye Care
The Government of Saint Lucia has entered into a new partnership with U.S.-based nonprofit RestoringVision to improve access to vision care across the island through the public healthcare system. Under the agreement, up to 50,000 donated eyeglasses are expected to be distributed to people in need.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 18 as part of the government’s Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative, reinforcing its commitment to improving healthcare and quality of life for Saint Lucians.
The partnership will launch a 12-month pilot program that integrates presbyopia screening and the distribution of near-vision eyeglasses into primary healthcare facilities and community health worker services, making vision care more accessible in communities nationwide.
The initiative targets individuals affected by presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it increasingly difficult to focus on nearby objects. Left uncorrected, the condition can reduce productivity, limit independence and negatively impact overall quality of life.
The agreement follows Cabinet approval on June 1, which authorized the collaboration between the Government of Saint Lucia and RestoringVision. Through the partnership, Saint Lucia joins a growing network of countries working with the nonprofit to expand community-based vision screening and improve access to affordable corrective eyewear.
Prime Minister Pierre said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of citizens, noting that improved vision can create greater opportunities, boost productivity and promote independence.
Beyond donating and shipping eyeglasses, RestoringVision will provide technical assistance and training to healthcare workers, helping to strengthen presbyopia screening and support the long-term integration of vision care into Saint Lucia’s public health system.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Government of Saint Lucia will oversee implementation of the initiative, integrate services into existing public health platforms, coordinate staff training, and manage data collection and reporting.
The partnership also establishes a joint monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the program’s effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement throughout the pilot phase.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for an initial period of 12 months as both parties work to expand access to quality vision care across Saint Lucia.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST MONDAY JUNE 29TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A weak ridge of high pressure is maintaining gentle easterly breezes and generally stable conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are currently no watches or warnings in effect at this time.
The public is advised to remain hydrated, wear protective clothing and sunscreen, and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range, and the heat index possibly reaching the triple digits across all areas.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Mostly sunny today. Mostly fair with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: Easterly at 5 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:48 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 09:20 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Generally stable conditions will persist through today. The high pressure ridge will gradually weaken, with a developing surface trough possibly triggering isolated showers across the islands by Tuesday. A plume of Saharan dust is then expected to move into the region by late Wednesday, likely suppressing shower activity.
TUESDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible. Mostly fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:09 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:42 AM (1.0 FT) 03:24 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:21 AM (2.3 FT) 09:56 PM (3.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:09 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:16 AM (1.0 FT) 03:59 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:55 AM (2.3 FT) 10:32 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Disorganized showers and thunderstorms located off the southeastern U.S. coast are associated with an area of low pressure along a frontal boundary that has a low chance of tropical cyclone formation within the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: DR. H.HAMILTON