# Nigel Dakin > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nigel_Dakin > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nigel_Dakin.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Dakin > Source revision: 1355845574 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|British diplomat and governor (born 1964)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = | name = Nigel Dakin | honorific_suffix = [CMG](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George) | image = Governor Nigel Dakin (cropped).jpg | office = Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands | order = 15th | monarch = [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II)
[Charles III](/source/Charles_III) | premier = [Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson](/source/Sharlene_Cartwright-Robinson)
[Washington Misick](/source/Washington_Misick) | predecessor = [John Freeman](/source/John_Freeman_(diplomat)) | successor = [Anya Williams](/source/Anya_Williams) (acting)
[Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam](/source/Dileeni_Daniel-Selvaratnam){{Cite web |title=Change of Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands: Ms Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-governor-of-turks-and-caicos-islands-ms-dileeni-daniel-selvaratnam |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=GOV.UK}} | term_start = 15 July 2019 | term_end = 29 March 2023 | children = | spouse = Amanda Dakin | birth_place = [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom) | death_place = | death_date = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|2|28|df=yes}}{{cite web | url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/search?q=Dakin%2C+Nigel+John%2C+%28born+28+Feb.+1964%29%2C+HM+Diplomatic+Service%3B+Governor+of+the+Turks+and+Caicos+Islands%2C+2019–23 | title=No Search Results }} | alma_mater = [University of Birmingham](/source/University_of_Birmingham) ([BA](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts))
[Kingston University](/source/Kingston_University) ([MBA](/source/MBA)) | deputy = [Anya Williams](/source/Anya_Williams) }} '''Nigel John Dakin''' {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|CMG}} (born 28 February 1964{{cite web | url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/search?q=Dakin%2C+Nigel+John%2C+%28born+28+Feb.+1964%29%2C+HM+Diplomatic+Service%3B+Governor+of+the+Turks+and+Caicos+Islands%2C+2019–23 | title=No Search Results }} is a British [diplomat](/source/diplomat) and [soldier](/source/soldier) who served as [Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands](/source/Governor_of_the_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands) between 15 July 2019 and 29 March 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/governor-dakins-inaugural-speech-15-july-2019|title=Governor Dakin's inaugural speech: 15 July 2019|website=GOV.UK|date=15 July 2019|access-date=2020-04-03}}{{Cite web|title=Nigel Dakin sworn-in as the 15th Governor of the TCI The UK representative vows to 'preserve and improve' the nation|url=http://tcweeklynews.com/nigel-dakin-swornin-as-the-th-governor-of-the-tci-the-uk-representative-p9832-127.htm|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Turks & Caicos Weekly News}} == Early life and education == Dakin was born on 28 February 1964{{cite web | url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/search?q=Dakin%2C+Nigel+John%2C+%28born+28+Feb.+1964%29%2C+HM+Diplomatic+Service%3B+Governor+of+the+Turks+and+Caicos+Islands%2C+2019–23 | title=No Search Results }} in [Birmingham](/source/Birmingham), [England](/source/England){{citation needed|date=August 2025}} and is the son of John Frederick Dakin{{Cite web |title=Click here to view the tribute page for John Frederick DAKIN |url=https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/dakin/4925844 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=funeral-notices.co.uk}} and Dorothy Alice Dakin (née Scott).{{Cite web |title=Click here to view the tribute page for Dorothy Alice DAKIN |url=https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/dakin/4759470 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=funeral-notices.co.uk}} He grew up in [Bournville](/source/Bournville) and was educated at the [King Edward VI Five Ways School](/source/King_Edward_VI_Five_Ways_School), a state grammar school in [Birmingham](/source/Birmingham), [England](/source/England). Having secured, while at school, an Army Scholarship, Dakin entered the [Royal Military Academy Sandhurst](/source/Royal_Military_Academy_Sandhurst) in 1982 and was commissioned into the [British Army](/source/British_Army) in 1983. Following service as an Infantry Platoon Commander in [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland) he studied, again on a military scholarship, at the [University of Birmingham](/source/University_of_Birmingham) between 1984 and 1987, where he received a [Bachelor of Arts](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts) in Political Science. He would later receive a [Masters in Business Administration](/source/Masters_in_Business_Administration) from [Kingston University](/source/Kingston_University) in 1995.{{cite web|last1=Dakin|first1=Nigel|title=Nigel Dakin|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-dakin-4a244214b/|accessdate=31 May 2020|via=LinkedIn}} == Career == Following university, Dakin returned to the Army, serving in [West Germany](/source/West_Germany) and [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland).{{cite web |title=Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/nigel-dakin |website=GOV.UK |publisher=UK Government |accessdate=31 May 2020}} In 1993 he was [mentioned in dispatches](/source/mentioned_in_dispatches) for gallantry while serving with the [Intelligence Corps](/source/Intelligence_Corps_(United_Kingdom)) in [Northern Ireland](/source/Northern_Ireland){{cite web |title=Supplement to the London Gazette |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/53298/supplement/8190/data.pdf |website=thegazette.co.uk |accessdate=31 May 2020}} and between 1994 and 1996 served as a [Staff Officer](/source/Staff_Officer) in the [Ministry of Defence](/source/Ministry_of_Defence_(United_Kingdom)) advising the [Defence Secretary](/source/Secretary_of_State_for_Defence) ([Michael Portillo](/source/Michael_Portillo)) and [Chief of the Defence Staff](/source/Chief_of_the_Defence_Staff_(United_Kingdom)) ([Field Marshal Peter Inge](/source/Peter_Inge%2C_Baron_Inge)) on matters relating to the [Irish Peace Process](/source/Northern_Ireland_peace_process). In 1996, Dakin accepted a position within the [Foreign and Commonwealth Office](/source/Foreign_and_Commonwealth_Office) (FCO). He first lead staff groups involved in [Russia](/source/Russia) and later on [Counter Terrorism](/source/Counter_Terrorism) and, promoted to Director, he served on the executive board where he oversaw organisational transformation. Concurrently, he was invited by the then [Chief of the General Staff](/source/Chief_of_the_General_Staff_(United_Kingdom)), [General Sir Nick Carter](/source/Nick_Carter_(British_Army_officer)), to serve as the civilian [Non-Executive Director](/source/Non-Executive_Director) on both the Army No. 1 Board and the Army Higher Honours Committee, a position he retained until 2019. While overseas Dakin served as First Secretary (Political) in [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria) (1998–99) and [India](/source/India) (1999–2001) and then as the Political Counsellor in [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan) (2007–2010) and [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan) (2012–2013). He served twice in the British Embassy in [Washington DC](/source/Washington_DC): first from 2005 to 2007 working with the US Administration of [George W. Bush](/source/George_W._Bush) on [Iraq](/source/Iraq), [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan) and [Counter Terrorism](/source/Counter_Terrorism) and again between 2016 and 2019 as the Senior [National Security](/source/National_Security) Official to the [UK Ambassador to the United States](/source/UK_Ambassador_to_the_United_States). === Governor of the Turks and Caicos === [[File:World Leaders - Book of Condolence for HM The Queen (52364261001).jpg|thumb|Dakin signing the book of condolence for Queen [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II) at [Lancaster House](/source/Lancaster_House) on 17 September 2022]] In May 2019, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced that Dakin would succeed outgoing Governor [John Freeman](/source/John_Freeman_(diplomat)) as Governor of the [Turks and Caicos Islands](/source/Turks_and_Caicos_Islands).{{Cite web|title=Foreign and Commonwealth office announces new governor designate for Turks and Caicos Islands|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-governor-of-turks-and-caicos-islands-july-2019|date=16 May 2019|website=GOV.UK|access-date=31 May 2020}} As such, Dakin was the representative of [Queen Elizabeth II](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_II) and acted as the de facto Head of State responsible for appointing the Head of Government, and senior political positions in the territory. Dakin was also responsible for chairing [Cabinet](/source/Cabinet_(government)) and ensuring the good governance of the territory. The Constitution also reserved to the Governor responsibility for [defence](/source/Defense_(military)), [external affairs](/source/external_affairs), the regulation of international [financial services](/source/financial_services) and [internal security](/source/internal_security), including the [police force](/source/Royal_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_Police_Force).{{Cite web|title=Governor's Office, Turks and Caicos Islands|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/the-governors-office-turk-and-caicos-islands|website=GOV.UK|access-date=31 May 2020}} Dakin's Governorship included: the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), when he held emergency powers;{{Cite web |title=TCI UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY |url=https://suntci.com/tci-under-state-of-emergency-p5049-129.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=suntci.com}} the challenges of mass irregular migration caused by a serious deterioration in the security situation in neighbouring [Haiti](/source/Haiti);{{Cite news |last=Bird |first=Rebecca |date=2023-01-05 |title=Turks and Caicos under strain after 275 Haitian migrants recently detained |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/05/turks-and-caicos-haitian-migrants-immigration |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}} a concurrent rise in gang related murder temporarily suppressed following the deployment of armed officers requested from [The Bahamas](/source/The_Bahamas) and a package of UK support;{{Cite web |date=2022-10-11 |title=Turks and Caicos Governor's update on national response to gang related violence |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/turks-and-caicos-governors-update-on-national-response-to-gang-related-violence |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=GOV.UK}} an election and resulting change of government during the pandemic;{{Citation |title=2021 Turks and Caicos Islands general election |date=2024-07-17 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2021_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_general_election&oldid=1234955260 |access-date=2024-08-14}} a Royal Visit{{Cite web |title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas |website=The Royal Family |url=https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-02-27/the-earl-and-countess-of-wessex-visit-the-cayman-islands-the-turks-and |access-date=2024-08-14}} and the impact of [Hurricane Fiona](/source/Hurricane_Fiona).{{Cite web |title=Governor and Premier visit Grand Turk following the passage of Hurricane Fiona |url=https://tcweeklynews.com/governor-and-premier-visit-grand-turk-following-the-passage-of-hurricane-fi-p12736-127.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=tcweeklynews.com}} Dakin commissioned and oversaw the development of the [Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment](/source/Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_Regiment);{{Cite web |title=TCI to build its own military regiment |url=https://tcweeklynews.com/tci-to-build-its-own-military-regiment-p10218-127.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=tcweeklynews.com}} the establishment of a National Security Secretariat and accompanying Strategy{{Cite web |date=2020-01-22 |title=Governor Dakin's speech at Turks & Caicos Islands National Security Strategy launch |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/governor-dakins-speech-at-tci-national-security-strategy-launch-22-january-2020 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=GOV.UK}} and the deepening of relationships with the [USA](/source/USA) and [The Bahamas](/source/The_Bahamas) to deliver the inaugural North Caribbean Security Summit and the resulting uplift in regional security co-operation.{{Cite web |title=U.S. Government hosts inaugural Northern Caribbean Security Summit |url=https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3331340/us-government-hosts-inaugural-northern-caribbean-security-summit/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.uscg.mil%2FPress-Releases%2FArticle%2F3331340%2Fus-government-hosts-inaugural-northern-caribbean-security-summit%2F |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=United States Coast Guard News}} The decision to combine Immigration and Customs Officers to form a new Border Force was taken.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-09 |title=Address given by His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin CMG on border security and the OPBAT alliance |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/address-given-by-his-excellency-governor-nigel-dakin-cmg-on-border-security-and-the-opbat-alliance |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=GOV.UK}} With UK support, the [Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force](/source/Royal_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands_Police_Force) established a 'Guns, Gangs and Drugs' Team to tackle serious [organised crime](/source/organised_crime){{Cite web |title=Gun amnesty among strategies to deal with recent murders - RTCIPF to form a Gun, Gangs and Drugs Unit |url=https://tcweeklynews.com/gun-amnesty-among-strategies-to-deal-with-recent-murders-rtcipf-to-form-a-p12707-127.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=tcweeklynews.com}} and legislation was passed to provide the Police with a technical intelligence collection capability.{{Cite web |title=Law enforcement can legally intercept communications in the TCI |url=https://tcweeklynews.com/law-enforcement-can-legally-intercept-communications-in-the-tci-p12813-127.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=tcweeklynews.com}} As the Monarch's representative, Dakin [proclaimed the accession](/source/Proclamation_of_accession_of_Charles_III), in [Grand Turk](/source/Grand_Turk), of His Majesty King [Charles III](/source/Charles_III),{{Citation |title=Proclamation of accession of Charles III |date=2024-08-13 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proclamation_of_accession_of_Charles_III&oldid=1240179488 |access-date=2024-08-14}} and attended the funeral of [Queen Elizabeth II](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_II){{Citation |title=List of guests at the state funeral of Elizabeth II |date=2024-07-29 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_guests_at_the_state_funeral_of_Elizabeth_II&oldid=1237379554 |access-date=2024-08-14}} He left post on 29 March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Deandrea |date=2023-03-31 |title=Four Years of Governor Nigel Dakin, Highlights of the Tenure |url=https://magneticmediatv.com/2023/03/four-years-of-governor-nigel-dakin-highlights-of-the-tenure/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Magnetic Media}} == Honours == Dakin was appointed Companion of the [Order of St Michael and St George](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George) (CMG) in the [2020 Birthday Honours](/source/2020_Birthday_Honours) for services to British foreign policy.{{London Gazette|issue=63135|supp=y|page=B4|date=10 October 2020}} == Personal life == He married [Amanda Dakin](/source/Amanda_Dakin) (née Johnson) in 1987, in her home country of [Barbados](/source/Barbados). They have two children; Charlotte (known as Charlie) and Fraser.{{cite web|title=The British Governor's wife with the Caribbean roots|url=https://tcweeklynews.com/the-british-governorxs-wife-with-the-caribbean-roots-p10229-122.htm|accessdate=30 May 2020|website=Turks & Caicos Weekly News}} In December 2021, [Amanda Dakin](/source/Amanda_Dakin) was the first woman, and part of the first team including their son [Fraser Dakin](/source/Fraser_Dakin), to circumnavigate the entirety of the [Turks and Caicos Islands](/source/Turks_and_Caicos_Islands) using only personal physical power.https://www.newslinetci.com/post/mandy-dakin-completes-225-mile-footsteps-4-good-charitable-journey-around-tci Over 13 days, either walking, rowing, kayaking, swimming or wading, they traversed 24 Islands and remote Cays, covering 225 miles, including the deep ocean of the Turks Islands Passage. The feat was repeated in October 2022 when [Amanda Dakin](/source/Amanda_Dakin) led a different team. Through the charity [Footsteps 4 Good](/source/Footsteps_4_Good), $80,000 was raised for 20 charities.https://magneticmediatv.com/2022/11/amanda-friends-amazing-journey-footsteps4good-2022-raises-over-50k-in-13-days/ == References == {{reflist}} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Dakin, Nigel}} Category:Governors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Category:1964 births Category:20th-century British diplomats Category:Alumni of the University of Birmingham Category:Alumni of Kingston University Category:Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George Category:People from Bournville Category:People educated at King Edward VI Five Ways Category:Living people Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nigel Dakin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Dakin) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Dakin?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.