News
Historic Expedition Complete and Governor’s Wife rallies islanders to donate over $40,000 to Local Charities
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
How does one keep moving forward in the marathon of a lifetime?
With hot chocolate, bad jokes, a splash of rum and the cheers of Turks and Caicos islanders behind you. That’s according to the Governor’s wife Amanda Dakin at least.
Over a week ago Mandy Dakin, her son Fraser and John Galleymore waved goodbye to Providenciales to take on what can only be described as a mentally and physically grueling experience. Now after 200 miles, 12 days and a whole lot of perseverance the Footsteps4Good Charity event has come to a resounding finish and the $40,000 they raked in for non-profit organisations was no small feat either.
The event, the brainchild of Jill Beckingham, a previous governor’s wife and John Galleymore, was brought to fruition by Amanda Dakin, OneTCI and the Provo Roadrunners. It saw the three participants circumnavigating the entirety of the TCI while islanders joined in for walking, running and cycling along a route designated by OneTCI on specific days over the 12 day period.
The Dakins and Galleymore landed back in Providenciales Thursday, plowing through a stubborn current and brisk winds to park their kayaks on Sapodilla Beach; the younger Dakin abandoned his craft for a final swim to shore. The trio shared with waiting family, friends and members of the media, their experiences, which did include a baby shark sighting.
Their preparation for the journey stretches back months and included running and endurance training, Galleymore says.
“We spent the last two or three months in Blue Hill hiking, [with packs]”
Mandy Dakin, a browned by the sun and bruised by sandy and rocky shorelines explained why the project was so important.
“It’s good to be put out of your comfort zone and succeed. I think everyone should experience that.”
Mrs. Dakin, who is an island girl herself being from Barbados, also maintained that it was very important to her that the community be part of the ambitious expedition. There were 30 charities set to benefit from the event and they did.
On Thursday December 16, Dakin said “We have raised quite a good set of money so far and it’s not over yet we’re hoping to get in quite a lot more so look out for that figure on social media.”
Later she revealed to Magnetic Media that the exact figure was $40,760 dollars.
Galleymore said it was important to him that people knew that other islands outside of Providenciales exist, and to get them exploring the rest of the Turks and Caicos.
The elder Dakin explained that islanders cheered them on over WhatsApp when they had coverage and said there was also a massive amount of support from everyone they met.
Workspace with merry christmas decorations composition flatlay
“Every community that we came across, even if it was a fisherman or somebody just out on the road, they were like ‘Yeah come on keep going!’ It was really nice. ”
Galleymore agreed adding, “Everytime we got down after a leg, the next morning we would wake up and the community was there for us. It just kinda made us realize why we were doing it.”
Dakin also described some of the wonders that they came across, the night sky on East Caicos, the schools of dolphins that swam alongside them and the flock of flamingoes that greeted them in Sapodilla Bay when they entered their final leg of the journey.
Despite their joy, they acknowledged the journey was a very difficult one.
“It was way more than I expected, I thought the walking was going to be a breeze. It was not a breeze.” Fraser laughingly admitted.
Galleymore agreed and explained the difficulty of the undertaking, he said, “Some people train their whole lives to run one marathon. You know that’s 26 miles, we were doing that every day for ten days. It comes down to sheer willpower and how much you want to succeed.”
After, when asked if the journey was worth it the three immediately answered “Of Course!”
They say they are already looking forward to trying again next year and that their biggest take away from the journey was that there was ‘no limit’ to what you can do.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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