In the quaint settlement of Blue Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Alvin and Betty Dean gave birth to a son on November 22, 1983. They proudly named him Dameko Canez Dean. The name Dameko exemplifies leadership and throughout Canez’s life, he has made strides to demonstrate the qualities of a true leader. He is a father, a serial entrepreneur, an architect, a pilot, a musician, a poet, and a social/community/political activist.
Dameko’s Early Childhood years gave him the opportunity to attend the Provo Bible School and then later, he transitioned to the Oseta Jolly Primary School and then onto Richmond Hill Preparatory School where he received his Primary Education.
Clement Howell High School was responsible for Dameko’s Secondary Education during the period 1995 – 2000, and it was there that his love for Music blossomed, and his leadership qualities strengthened. He was honoured with the title Deputy Head boy, as being a leader comes second nature to Dameko. As early as ten (10) years old, he was actively engaged in his church, Bethany Baptist (Wheeland), which provided him the opportunity to hone his musical talent. He played professionally during Sunday morning services until he left to commence his tertiary education in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In January 2002, he enrolled in the Undergraduate Program for Hospitality Management and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in 2005. In addition to his undergraduate studies, he has completed several courses with the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute.
Knowing the landscape of his country Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), being separated by water, it was always his dream to be able to canvass the islands as a pilot. In January 2016, he became a private pilot (PPL) and enjoys flying as a hobby.
Upon returning home in July 2005, Dameko worked at Ocean Club and Grace Bay Club Resort in Management positions until 2007. In addition, due to his leadership qualities, he was selected by the Government to serve as a member of the TCI Tourist Board during the period 2006 – 2008. This position provided him the opportunity to broaden his horizons, visiting countries such as Canada, the UK and the USA, promoting the country’s number one industry, Tourism. Dameko was also appointed to the TCI Immigration Board on April 1, 2015 for a one (1) year period.
Leadership mixed with determination, channeled Dameko’s focus on an entrepreneurial journey which began in 2007 after bidding farewell to the Grace Bay Club.
To date, Dameko Canez Dean is the Chairman/CEO of the Dameko C, Dean Group of Companies, which houses under its umbrella, “Eagle Transportation Services”, “Island Gifts & Souvenirs”, “Conceptual Architecture and Designs”, “Bubba Gump Seafood Market”, “Albedee’s Contracting Ltd”, “Blue Whale Tours & Excursions Ltd”,” Shore View Villas” (in development), “Bay Road Development Ltd”, (in development) and “Dean’s Waste Collection”.
He is a former shareholder and director for TCI Paint & Supply Ltd, responsible for the introduction of Benjamin Moore Paints Franchise to TCI.
Dameko’s leadership qualities speak for itself and indeed, he is no stranger to the community of Wheeland.
Writing has been a passion of Dameko and he has never been shied to demonstrate this ability. He is known for his articles in TC Weekly News, The Free Press, Turks and Caicos Times Newspaper, TCI Sun Newspaper and Times of the Island Publication. He was featured on many of the past and present local TV shows here in the TCI inclusive of Finbar Grant’s “Plain Talk”, William “Bill” Clare’s “TCI Today”, Doug Parnell’s “Hard Line” and Courtney Missick’s “Talk Dat”.
Dameko is passionate about giving back to his community and has done so with numerous organizations and charities. He was a proud sponsor of TCI Conch Festival, (a yearly festival, held in Blue Hills at the Three Queens Bar & Restaurant), proud sponsor of the Middle Caicos Crab Festival and Provo Children’s Home to name a few.
Being a service oriented individual, Dameko has acted in the capacity of Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Provo, where he spent nine (9) years until taking a leave of absence to pursue his political career.
In 2006, Dameko was approached by great leaders of this country to contest the 2007 General Election in Blue Hills, but declined because of his need for more experience, exposure, personal development and growth.
God always has a way of igniting one’s abilities, later that year, Dameko was elected Chairman of the Blue Hills Constituency Council, under the Progressive National Party then Chairlady Mrs. Sandra Garland.
Dameko liaised with the PNP Party in 2012 to contest the general election as the party’s candidate, for the Wheeland Constituency – ED10, but was unsuccessful.
He was determined to try again in November 2015, however, on July 11th, 2016, he contested the Primary Election against Elry Lightbourne and won by a 70% margin.
Dameko Dean was the Progressive National Party candidate for Electoral District 10 – Wheeland, for the 2016 general elections.
In addition to being a candidate in 2016, Dameko has led Mr. Carlos W. Simons, OBE, J.P, KC campaign twice in his bid for PNP Party Leader and prior to that, he has led Hon. Gregory O. Lightbourne’s campaign.
Dameko Canez Dean is currently developing a $22m project in the community of Wheeland, consisting of 22 affordable Luxury Villas and 12 Luxurious Oceanfront Villas.
His dream is to provide an opportunity for the local skilled residents of the community, with the opportunity of a lifetime; becoming owners of a place to call ‘HOME’.
Dameko is a philanthropist and a lover of community. He is always inspired by the quote, ‘The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members’ – “Developing the Community for You, with You!”
“Developing the community for you, with you”.
© 2020 All Rights Reserved. www.damekocdean.com