United Airlines to Start Nonstop Flights from Denver to Providenciales
The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating another major airlift milestone with the announcement that United Airlines will launch new nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales (PLS) beginning December 2026.
The new weekly service marks a significant expansion of United Airlines’ established presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the result of extensive negotiations with the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA).
This announcement comes on the heels of the Turks and Caicos Islands' successful roadshow in Denver recently led by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the announcement as a strong endorsement of the destination's growing appeal and the Ministry's continued efforts to diversify source markets and expand airlift.
The minister in a statement said that for many years, our strongest air connections have been concentrated along the East Coast and in the Midwest of the United States, but today we continue our strategic expansion westward, creating direct access to one of North America’s most dynamic and affluent regions.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, with responsibility for Aviation, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, described the announcement as another important step in strengthening the destination's connectivity and competitiveness. Stating that, expanding air access is critical to sustaining tourism growth, and we are pleased that United Airlines continues to recognise the immense opportunity that exists here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The new route will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft featuring 179 seats, including 20 in business class and 159 in economy.
Tentative flight schedule is set for December 19th. Weekly on Saturdays.
Schedule is subject to change.
Customers can book flights at united.com and on the United app.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Jolly Appears on RTC's Expressions with Hon. Robert Hall
Minister of Tourism Hon. Zhavargo Jolly recently appeared on RTC's Expressions with Hon. Robert Hall discussing a Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Report. Our Danae Dennie has more.
PDM Selects New Party Leader at National Convention
The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has ushered in a new chapter following the successful conclusion of its 2026 National Convention, where delegates unanimously elected Hon. Douglas Parnell as Party Leader and selected a full slate of national officers in accordance with the Party’s Constitution.
Held under the theme “Together We Rise,” the Convention, the Party’s highest decision-making body, brought together delegates, former leaders, officers, members, volunteers and supporters from across the Turks and Caicos Islands to reaffirm the PDM’s commitment to unity, renewal and strong national leadership.
In his acceptance address, Hon. Parnell described the Convention as “a defining moment in the history of our great party,” emphasizing that delegates were not only electing a leader but also setting a new course for the future of the People’s Democratic Movement.
Hon. Parnell paid tribute to the Party’s founder, The Right Excellent J.A.G.S. McCartney, while recognizing the invaluable contributions of former leaders, parliamentarians, branch officers, campaign teams and volunteers whose dedication has shaped the Party throughout its history. He also outlined his vision to modernize and strengthen the PDM as it prepares for the future.
The Convention also confirmed Hon. Edwin Astwood as Deputy Leader. Hon. Astwood will continue to serve as Leader of the Opposition, providing experienced parliamentary leadership while working alongside Hon. Parnell and the newly elected National Executive.
Delegates elected the following officers to serve on the Party’s National Executive:
* National Chairman: Bryant Cox
* First Vice-Chairman: Ian Astwood
* Second Vice-Chairman: Tanya Wright
* Assistant Secretary General: Daphne Farrington
* Assistant Treasurer: Kaymia Reid
* Party Whip: Rico Rolle
* Trustees: Mervin Cox, Carl Simmons and Hon. Clarence Selver
* Party Chaplain: Emma-Jean Selver
With the Convention now concluded, the National General Council will begin implementing the directives adopted by delegates, while the National Executive Committee assumes responsibility for the Party’s day-to-day administration and strategic direction.
Royal TCI Police Force Recovers Another Illegal Firearm in Providenciales
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) continue to recover illegal firearms and ammunition across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the latest recovery being June 23rd 2026.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., responding officers attended a location on Grace Bay Road, where during a search of the area, officers discovered a black sock concealed beneath a 40-foot storage
container, which contained a .45 calibre pistol.
Officers from the Forensics Support Branch responded to the scene, processed the area, and
safely secured the weapon. The firearm was found to be loaded with five (5) live .45 calibre
cartridges.
No arrests have been made in connection with the recovery, and investigations remain
ongoing.
To date, for the year 2026, the police force has recovered six illegal firearms across the TCI comprising two rifles and four pistols.
The recoveries include:
Two firearms recovered along the Leeward Highway;
One recovered in Grace Bay;
One recovered in the Lower Bight;
One recovered in Blue Hills; and
One recovered in Grand Turk.
During the corresponding period in 2025, the police force recovered eight firearms: six pistols and
two rifles.
Biles and Gilgeous-Alexander Named Best Female and Male Athletes at ESPY Awards
Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were named Best Female and Male Athletes at the ESPY Awards.
Both superstars walked away with major hardware during the ceremony in Hollywood.
Simone Biles
Gymnastics legend Simone Biles took home two awards.
* Best Athlete, Women's Sports: Honored as the top female athlete.
* Best Championship Performance: Awarded for her historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where she claimed three gold medals and a silver, helping the U.S. team secure a gold medal.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also had a massive night.
* Best Athlete, Men's Sports: Named the best male athlete.
* Best NBA Player: Honored for his stellar season in the league.
Florida Man Arrested and Charged with DUI
A Florida man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after troopers say he was found with dozens of open White Claw cans in the passenger seat of his car during a traffic stop.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a trooper was on patrol along Interstate 75 near mile marker 280 in Pasco County when he spotted a speeding driver. That vehicle, a Honda Civic, was traveling at more than 90 mph when it passed the trooper, investigators said.
The trooper was able to perform a traffic stop and said that the driver was heavily intoxicated. He was brought to Pasco County Jail with a blood alcohol level of 0.117.
In Florida, the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit depends on the type of driver, but for most adults, it is set at 0.08%.
In addition, 34 open White Claw cans were found on the passenger seat of his vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver, who was identified as Conor William Parady, 34, of San Antonio, was arrested and charged.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules in favor of Trump Administration's Decision to end Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Haiti
Hundreds of thousands of Haitians living legally in the United States are now facing an uncertain future after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for Haiti.
In a 6-3 decision, the nation's highest court cleared the way for the administration to terminate TPS for approximately 350,000 Haitians, removing legal protections that have allowed them to live and work in the United States since the devastating 2010 earthquake.
The ruling overturns lower court decisions that had blocked the administration from ending the program. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito said federal law clearly limits the courts' authority to review decisions regarding Temporary Protected Status, allowing the administration to move forward with ending the designation.
Without TPS, affected Haitians could become vulnerable to deportation unless they qualify for another form of legal immigration status. Many have lived in the United States for more than a decade, raising families, building careers and contributing to their communities.
The decision comes despite ongoing instability in Haiti. The U.S. State Department continues to advise Americans not to travel to the country because of widespread gang violence, kidnappings and a deteriorating security situation.
The court also rejected claims that the administration's decision was racially discriminatory.
However, the court's three liberal justices strongly disagreed. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan argued there was evidence suggesting race played a role in the decision, pointing to past comments made by President Donald Trump about Haiti and Haitian immigrants.
Immigration advocates have condemned the ruling, warning it could separate families and force thousands of Haitians to return to a country facing a humanitarian and security crisis. They say the decision also creates uncertainty for Temporary Protected Status holders from other countries, as the administration has sought to roll back the program more broadly.
The ruling marks another significant victory for the Trump administration's immigration agenda and is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Haitian families across the United States.
Air Canada Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency Mid-Flight
Passengers aboard an Air Canada flight helped crew members manage a pilot who suffered a medical emergency midflight, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Boston.
Air Canada confirmed Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday when the captain became incapacitated.
The first officer assumed control of the aircraft and safely diverted the flight to Boston, where the captain was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Passenger Rodney McDonald, who was traveling with his wife and two sons, told ABC News the incident began when the aircraft suddenly swerved.
McDonald said a flight attendant rushed into the cockpit before bringing the captain into the aisle. Believing the pilot was experiencing a seizure, McDonald and several other passengers assisted the crew in keeping him safe while the co-pilot flew the aircraft to Boston.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people experiencing a seizure should generally not be physically restrained due to the risk of injury. Instead, those nearby should remove dangerous objects, gently turn the person onto their side when possible, and keep the airway clear.
McDonald described the experience as frightening, saying he and several passengers spent about 40 minutes helping manage the situation until the plane landed.
A registered nurse on board also assisted the crew and helped care for the pilot during the emergency, while McDonald praised the flight attendants for remaining calm and professional throughout the ordeal.
The aircraft was carrying 61 passengers.
Emergency responders met the aircraft upon arrival in Boston, and Air Canada said it is arranging alternate travel for those on board. No passengers were injured during the incident.
JCF Seized More than 11,000 Pounds of Cocaine So Far this Year
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it has seized approximately 5,100 kilogrammes (more than 11,000 pounds) of cocaine so far this year, with an estimated street value of about JM$3 billion, over $19,000 US.
According to the JCF, the seizures were made by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) through targeted operations that have significantly disrupted transnational organised crime networks.
The force said the quantity of cocaine seized in the first half of 2026 is the highest recorded in the past decade and exceeds the combined total confiscated over the six-year period from 2016 to 2021.
Statistics released by the JCF show that between 2016 and 2025, authorities seized a total of 11,852 kilogrammes, over 26,000 pounds of cocaine.
The 5,100 kilogrammes, over 11,000 pounds of seized cocaine this year alone account for 43 per cent of that decade-long total.
Invest TCI Participated as Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA
Invest Turks and Caicos the Islands' Investment Promotion Agency, responsible for enhancing the economy through the attraction, growth and retention of overseas investment; and supporting the growth of local businesses continues to strengthen the country's visibility in key international investment markets through strategic participation in leading regional and global forums focused on hotel development, foreign direct investment, tourism, and inclusive economic growth.
Most recently, Invest TCI participated as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA, the premier hotel investment conference for the Caribbean and Latin America. The conference brought together hundreds of delegates from more than 35 countries and provided a valuable platform for direct engagement with investors and decision-makers focused on hospitality development across the region.
During the conference, Invest TCI delivered a destination presentation highlighting investment opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands, with particular focus on the Family Islands.
The presentation reinforced the Government's broader vision for balanced national development and highlighted emerging prospects beyond Providenciales. It generated strong interest from delegates who viewed the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive, high-value Caribbean destination for investment. The session also provided a platform to present the country's value proposition and advance discussions around future projects.
Chief Executive Officer of Invest TCI, Angela Musgrove, said the Agency's participation in international investment forums is an important part of its strategy to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands visible, competitive, and connected to serious investors.
Looking ahead, Invest TCI will participate in the Americas Investment Forum in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in July. The forum will provide another platform for the Agency to engage regional investment stakeholders and strengthen visibility for the Turks and Caicos Islands within the wider investment landscape.
Also in July, the Agency will actively participate in the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit. Invest TCI's engagement in NABHOOD also supports its commitment to creating pathways for local investors to access international industry knowledge, understand current hotel investment trends, and identify potential partnership opportunities.