Nigel Dakin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nigel Dakin
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 15th Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands | |
| In office 15 July 2019 – 29 March 2023 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Premier | Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Washington Misick |
| Deputy | Anya Williams |
| Preceded by | John Freeman |
| Succeeded by | Anya Williams (acting) Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 February 1964 United Kingdom |
| Spouse | Amanda Dakin |
| Residences | Waterloo, Grand Turk |
| Alma mater | University of Birmingham (BA) Kingston University (MBA) |
Nigel John Dakin, born on February 28, 1964, is a British diplomat and former soldier. He served as the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands from July 15, 2019, to March 29, 2023. As Governor, he was the King's (and previously Queen's) representative in the islands.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nigel Dakin was born in Birmingham, England, on February 28, 1964. He grew up in an area called Bournville. He went to King Edward VI Five Ways School, which is a state grammar school in Birmingham.
After school, Dakin joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1982. He became an officer in the British Army in 1983. He served as an Infantry Platoon Commander in Northern Ireland. Later, he studied at the University of Birmingham from 1984 to 1987. There, he earned a degree in Political Science. In 1995, he also earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from Kingston University.
Nigel Dakin's Career
After finishing university, Nigel Dakin went back to the Army. He served in places like West Germany and Northern Ireland. In 1993, he was recognized for his bravery while working with the Intelligence Corps in Northern Ireland. From 1994 to 1996, he worked at the Ministry of Defence. He advised important leaders on the Irish Peace Process.
In 1996, Dakin started working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). This is a government department that handles Britain's relationships with other countries. He first led teams dealing with Russia and then with stopping terrorism. He was promoted to Director and helped change how the organization worked. He also advised the head of the British Army until 2019.
Overseas Diplomatic Roles
Nigel Dakin worked in several British Embassies around the world. He was a First Secretary in Nigeria (1998–1999) and India (1999–2001). He then served as a Political Counsellor in Pakistan (2007–2010) and Afghanistan (2012–2013).
He worked twice at the British Embassy in Washington DC, USA. From 2005 to 2007, he worked with the US government on topics like Iraq, Afghanistan, and fighting terrorism. He returned to Washington from 2016 to 2019 as a senior official for national security.
Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
.jpg)
In May 2019, Nigel Dakin was announced as the new Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He took over from Governor John Freeman. As Governor, he represented the British Monarch, first Queen Elizabeth II and then King Charles III. He was like the head of state for the islands.
His responsibilities included appointing the head of the government and other important political leaders. He also led the Cabinet meetings and made sure the islands were well-governed. The Governor was also in charge of the islands' defence, external affairs (relationships with other countries), and internal security. This included overseeing the police force.
During his time as Governor, Nigel Dakin faced several big challenges. These included the COVID-19 pandemic, which gave him emergency powers. He also dealt with many people arriving illegally due to problems in nearby Haiti. There was also a rise in gang-related crime, which was helped by officers from The Bahamas and support from the UK. He oversaw an election during the pandemic and managed the impact of Hurricane Fiona.
Dakin helped create the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, which is a local military force. He also set up a National Security Secretariat and a plan to improve security. He worked to strengthen relationships with the USA and The Bahamas. This led to the first North Caribbean Security Summit, which improved security cooperation in the region. A new Border Force was also created by combining immigration and customs officers. With help from the UK, the police force started a team to fight serious organised crime. New laws were also passed to help the police collect technical information.
As the Monarch's representative, Dakin announced the new King, Charles III, in Grand Turk. He also attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. He left his role as Governor on March 29, 2023.
Honours and Awards
Nigel Dakin was given the title of Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2020. This award was for his important work in British foreign policy.
Personal Life
Nigel Dakin married Amanda Johnson in 1987 in her home country of Barbados. They have two children, Charlotte (known as Charlie) and Fraser.
