Successful Interdiction in TCI Territorial Waters
The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Patrol Vessel James Fulford successfully interdicted a vessel carrying 240 irregular migrants at approximately 9:33 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, within the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The interception was conducted as part of a highly coordinated maritime mission involving the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the TCI Border Force, in close
collaboration with the United States Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Air and Marine Operations.
Upon evaluating the migrant vessel, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force immediately upgraded the operation to a critical incident, prioritizing Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols to avert a maritime disaster.
Following a secure interdiction, the 240 individuals comprising 191 adult males, 44 adult females, 1 male minor and 4 female minors were safely handed over to the RTCIPF Marine Branch and is currently being transferred to the TCI Border Force for processing and standard health and security screening.
Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant, Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment. Said ""This mission underscores the efficacy of our multi-agency partnerships,"The rapid transition of this operation from a standard interdiction task to a high-priority SOLAS intervention demonstrates the professionalism and readiness of our joint forces. By working in seamless tandem with our U.S. partners, we successfully prevented a potential maritime tragedy."
The TCI Regiment remains committed to securing our maritime borders and upholding the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands through persistent surveillance and robust inter-
agency cooperation.
Ona Glinton Primary School Celebrates 55 Years
From humble beginnings on the island of Grand Turk to soaring proudly as one of the most respected primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the story of Ona Glinton Primary School is a journey of vision, resilience, excellence, and community spirit.
A journey much like a great flight taking off into the skies with courage, faith, and purpose.
These words perfectly capture the triumphs and spirit of a school whose wings first stretched open in September 1970.
Originally known as North Primary School, affectionately called North School, the institution began its flight with Mrs. Gladys Seymour serving as the Head Teacher. Like a skilled pilot preparing a new aircraft for its maiden voyage, Mrs. Seymour guided the school carefully during its earliest days. Six months later, Mr. Collins Clive Squance from the United Kingdom arrived and became the school's first Principal, helping the young institution gain altitude and direction.
When Mr. Squance departed, Mrs. Seymour made history by becoming the first local Principal of North Primary School. A remarkable milestone that proved local leadership could confidently captain the journey of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her commitment to learning and leadership continued in 1981 when she traveled to the United Kingdom to study at Cambridge University for one year. Upon returning home, she served briefly within the Education Department before becoming a Guidance Counselor at the high school level, continuing to uplift and direct young minds.
As the years passed, the school continued climbing higher through the dedication of many remarkable educators and leaders. The principals who helped navigate the school through different seasons included Mrs. Marjorie Been, Mrs. Georgina Been, Mrs. Mary Maureen Williams (1988-1992 during the North Primary School era), Mr. Ainsly Magregor (1992-1996), Mrs. Helena Durham (1996-1999), Mrs. Rosabelle Adams (1999-2004), Ms. Heidy Williams (2004-2008), Mrs. Gwen Harvey (2008-2021), and the present principal Mrs. Rhoda Williams, serving faithfully from 2021 to today.
Many of the teachers throughout the decades were qualified local educators whose love for children helped fuel the engines of progress within the school. Alongside them were expatriate teachers who also contributed their knowledge and experience, proving that education is strongest when many hands work together toward one destination.
In 1989, North Primary School was officially renamed Ona Glinton Primary School, honoring a distinguished and highly respected educator - Ona Irene Glinton, whose contributions helped shape the educational landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The renaming marked not just a change in title, but the continuation of a proud legacy rooted in service, excellence, and national pride.
Even the school uniform carries its own beautiful story woven into the fabric of OGPS history.
In September 1976, a lovely peach and white gingham jumper was specially designed for a student to wear with a white cotton blouse and matching white or peach socks. Mrs. Gladys Seymour admired the design and recommended it become the official girls' school uniform. In September 2026, this beloved uniform proudly celebrates 50 years of tradition. The jumper was designed by Mrs. Mildred Angelina Garland-Astwood for her daughter, Joan Astwood-Sutton, who attended the school during that period. Today, generations later, families continue to preserve this treasured symbol of OGPS pride.
Today, the Ona Glinton Primary School celebrates 55 years of excellence, the institution continues flying proudly through the skies of educational achievement.
The 55th anniversary stood as more than a milestone. It was a reunion of generations, a tribute to educators, a celebration of community, and a reminder that many leaders throughout Turks and Caicos society first learned to dream within the classrooms of Ona Glinton Primary School.
For 55 years this institution has shaped minds, built character and produced generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders who continue to make meaningful contributions at home and abroad.
And on Friday night, an anniversary gala was held in the Nations Capital, in attendance was 3 generations of Miss Ona Glinton's legacy... her son Fred Glinton, her grandaughter who moderated the evening Cheryl-Ann Forman and yours truly her great granddaughter Zoya Faessler.
Happy 55th Anniversary Ona Glinton Primary School! A Proud Past, A Promising Future!
And as this remarkable aircraft continues its flight through history, one thing remains certain: the skies are not the limit for Ona Glinton Primary School, they are only the beginning.
For the full audio version of the story, see below:
Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes $200 Million Dollar Development
The Antigua and Barbuda government has welcomed the launch of construction on the US$200 million Long Bay Zen Resort, describing the development as a key component of its strategy to attract more high-end tourism investment to the country.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the resort is being designed to rival some of the world’s most exclusive luxury properties, including the Hermitage Hotel, where nightly rates can reach as much as US$3,000.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that the government’s vision for tourism growth is one that benefits both investors and employees. He said luxury developments should remain profitable while ensuring workers receive fair wages and improved opportunities.
The prime minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring hotel employees earn above the proposed national living wage, underscoring the importance of inclusive economic growth.
He also commended the developers for their continued confidence in Antigua and Barbuda, noting that they maintained their investment in the country despite challenges linked to a financial institution in which they had previously invested.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez described the project as another milestone in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s Vision 2030 tourism and national development agenda.
According to Fernandez, the new resort comes at a time when the country is strengthening its tourism sector through expanded international air connectivity and ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure.
98th Scripps Spelling Bee Completed - 14 Year Old Takes Grand Prize
The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee officially took place from Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the iconic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
This year marked a major historic milestone as the competition left its long-time suburban Maryland location to return directly to the nation's capital for the first time in 15 years.
The event featured 247 young spellers ranging from ages 9 to 15, representing all 50 U.S. states, three U.S. territories, and five international countries: the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates.
From this wide field, only nine spellers advanced to the finals held on Thursday evening, May 28. The stage was set for a fast-paced spell-off that would test not just memory, but speed and composure under pressure.
A 14-year-old student from California, Shrey Parikh, stood at the center of it all, having just delivered one of the most precise performances in the competition’s history, emerging victorious as the 2026 winner.
The defining moment came during the 90-second spell-off round. Each finalist had to correctly spell as many words as possible from the same list. Shrey delivered 32 correct spellings out of 35 attempts. His final successful word, “Bromocriptine,” sealed the victory. The word, as defined by a leading English dictionary, refers to an alkaloid that mimics dopamine activity and inhibits the secretion of prolactin.
This victory added to a long list of accomplishments and rewards. He received a $50,000 prize, a commemorative medal, the Scripps Cup, $2,500 from Merriam-Webster, $1,000 in flight credits from Delta Air Lines, and $400 worth of reference works from Encyclopaedia Britannica.
This was not Shrey’s first appearance on the national stage of the competition. He had previously competed in 2022, finishing tied for 89th place, and again in 2024, where he tied for 3rd place. His persistence over multiple years shaped the result he achieved in 2026.
San Antonio Spurs Head to NBA Finals
The last time the New York Knicks made the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs were their opponent.
Now, Here they go again: San Antonio vs. New York is the matchup for the 2026 NBA Finals, a Spurs team looking to return to basketball's mountaintop for the sixth time and a Knicks team looking for its first championship in 53 years.
Game 1 is set for Wednesday in San Antonio!
This matchup is compelling for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s a rematch of this season’s NBA Cup championship game, which the Knicks won.
No matter who emerges victorious, the NBA will crown its eighth different champion in the last eight seasons—the longest streak of championship diversity in league history. The run began with Toronto Raptors in 2019, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, Golden State Warriors in 2022, Denver Nuggets in 2023, Boston Celtics in 2024, and Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025. Now, either New York or San Antonio will add its name to that remarkable list.
The Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks advanced by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0. Meanwhile, the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs clutched out an epic 111-103 Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure their spot in the finals.
The Spurs, Led by Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 22 points and seven rebounds, the Spurs clinched a spot in the Finals for the first time since 2014.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM MONDAY JUNE 1ST
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM MONDAY JUNE 01ST 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic is bringing hot and humid conditions, gentle to moderate breezes, and slight seas across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are no public warnings in effect at this time.
A moderate level of Saharan dust is expected to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands this week, which may reduce visibility and impact air quality. Residents with respiratory conditions such as asthma are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny and slightly hazy with isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 knots or less, falling light and variable at times.
SEA STATE: Smooth to slight with wave height of 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 100°F 38°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:27 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:56 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 10:28 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A surge of Saharan dust is expected between Tuesday and Thursday, bringing hazy, milky skies and noticeably reduced air quality across the islands. Hot and dry conditions are expected during this period, with little to no rainfall.
TUESDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny and hazy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: Southeasterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:50 AM (1.0 FT) 04:31 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:28 AM (2.3 FT) 11:06 PM (2.6 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and hazy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:25 AM (1.0 FT) 05:06 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:00 AM (2.3 FT) 11:43 PM (2.6 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Road Fatality Claims the Lives of Ten (10) in Zimbabwe
Ten people were killed in central Zimbabwe on Wednesday after a passenger bus collided with a haulage truck, according to police. This latest tragedy raises the number of people killed in major road accidents across the country this month alone to 41.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the crash occurred near the city of Kwekwe when a bus carrying 36 passengers attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided with an oncoming truck. Authorities said additional details would be released following further investigations.
Serious road accidents are a recurring problem in Zimbabwe, where buses, minibuses and informal taxi services are widely used for transport. Speeding, reckless driving and poor road infrastructure are frequently cited as contributing factors.
The country has experienced a series of fatal crashes in recent weeks. At least 24 people died in major road accidents over the past week alone, including eight Roman Catholic parishioners whose vehicle plunged into a river.
Road safety remains a major challenge across Africa. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, road crashes kill about 300,000 people on the continent every year, accounting for roughly one-quarter of global road fatalities. Africa also records the highest road death rate in the world.
Zimbabwe ranks among the countries most affected by road accidents, with authorities estimating that human error is responsible for 94% of crashes nationwide.
Sentences Delivered in Long Awaited SIPT Trial for Misick Brothers and Hanchell
At 10:00am on Friday May 29th 2026 Justice Rajendra Narine entered a packed Supreme Court Annex in Providenciales to deliver the sentence in the long awaited SIPT trial for former Premier Michael Eugene Misick, former Minister McAllister 'Piper' Hanchell and Attorney Thomas Chalmers Misick.
After a 2008–2009 Commission of Inquiry exposed systemic abuses, the SIPT was established in 2010 to investigate and prosecute former officials. Charges were first brought in 2011, but legal wrangling and sufficiency hearings delayed the trial’s formal start until December 2015.
Following the COI, in April 2010, investigations were launched by a Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) led by Special Prosecutor Helen Garlick. The first charges were brought in September 2011 after a sufficiency hearing in April 2012.
Over the years, the sprawling case splintered into multiple proceedings due to plea agreements, the withdrawal or death of certain defendants and judicial changes.
The most significant disruption came with the passing of Justice Paul Harrison in 2021, which led to Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang splitting the original case into two separate trials.
On February 4th 2026…. The verdicts were delivered by His Lordship Justice Rajendra Narine during a four-hour hearing in a packed, quiet Supreme Court, where the judge presided without a jury.
Now, today, Justice Rajendra Narine has sentenced Former premier Michael Eugene Misick to an effective term of four years and 26 days in prison.
The final sentences were reduced to two years and 16 days on Count One, four years and 26 days on Count Two, and two years and 16 days on Count Three.
The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Misick’s effective sentence is four years and 26 days.
Former Minister McAllister Hanchell was sentenced to 3 years on each count of bribery, he was jointly charged on 2 counts.
Therefore he will serve 3 years in prison, as the sentences are to run concurrently.
And in the case of Attorney Thomas Chalmers Misick, who was found guilty on 4 money laundering counts will serve the following:
4 years on Count 4
Suspended sentences for counts 5,6 and 7.
Several armed police officers were present in the courtroom as arrangements were made for the convicted men to be taken into custody to begin serving their sentences.
The atmosphere inside the courtroom was emotional, with some supporters visibly upset and others struggling to come to terms with the outcome. Several people were seen crying, while others stood silently at the back of the courtroom appearing stunned by the sentences.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FRIDAY MAY 29TH 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM FRIDAY MAY 29TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: Mostly fair conditions expected today, as the high pressure shift eastward, weak surface troughing could spark isolated shower activity later today clearing out by this evening.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are no public warnings in effect at this time.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 5 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight with wave height of 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
HEAT INDEX 100°F 38°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 77°F 25°C
SUNSET: 07:26 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:00 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 08:27 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure will continue to shift eastward, while warm, moist air moves into the region over the weekend, potentially increasing shower activity early next week.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 88°F (31°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low 77°F (25°C).
WINDS: Southeasterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight with wave height of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:27 PM
LOW TIDE: 02:56 AM (1.0 FT) 02:41 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 08:40 AM (2.3 FT) 09:09 PM (3.0 FT)
SUNDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 86°F (30°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C).
WINDS: Southerly at 10 knots or less, falling light and variable at times
SEA STATE: Smooth to slight with wave height of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:27 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:36 AM (1.0 FT) 03:20 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:19 AM (2.3 FT) 09:49 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Passengers on a Jetblue Flight Praise TCI Emergency Personnel
From our partners at Newsline TCI....
Passengers aboard a JetBlue flight from New York to Providenciales are giving high marks to Turks and Caicos emergency responders after witnessing what many described as an impressive level of preparedness during a frightening in-flight situation on Friday, May 15.
While the experience onboard left many shaken, several travelers said they were reassured after seeing ambulances, police vehicles and fire and rescue personnel positioned and ready on the ground as the aircraft prepared for what was initially feared could become an emergency landing situation.
One visitor reportedly told hotel staff after arriving at her destination that despite the frightening moments in the air, she was impressed by the coordinated response awaiting the aircraft below.
The frightening incident unfolded aboard the JetBlue flight originating in New York and bound for Providenciales after the aircraft reportedly developed issues during an attempted landing.
According to passengers on board, shortly after the pilot announced that the aircraft was preparing for landing, another announcement followed advising that the plane was experiencing what appeared to be a mechanical issue.
One passenger said the pilot aborted the initial landing attempt and pulled the aircraft back into the air. Following the maneuver, passengers reported hearing another announcement instructing them to tighten their seatbelts and assume a brace position, with the pilot reportedly explaining that he could not predict what might happen during the next landing attempt.
The announcement reportedly triggered panic among some passengers on board. Travelers said several individuals immediately reached for their cell phones to contact family members and loved ones to inform them about the developing situation. Passengers also described hearing cries and emotional reactions throughout the cabin as uncertainty grew.
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) reportedly received a 911 call regarding the developing incident and preparations began for a possible emergency response. However, officials were later advised to stand down after the aircraft successfully landed and the emergency situation was averted.
Relief quickly turned into celebration inside the cabin after the plane touched down safely without further incident.