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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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