Page 21 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE

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The Brain behind the
2023 Commonwealth Youth Games Mascot…

Artist Djibril Annisette is that
“good thing”

that comes

in small
packages

By Bobie-Lee Dixon

We can never be immortal, at least not in the flesh, but a oozed precociousness and a contagious hail-fellow-
name carved throughout time, certainly can. And the well-met personality when he greeted the author and
name Djibril Annisette absolutely will. photographer with a broad smile at his Moses Avenue
In the last few months, eight-year-old Djibril has been home.
enjoying the allure of fame suddenly thrust upon him.
Barefooted and dressed in black jeans and a grey
His artistic rendition of a leatherback turtle he called jersey, the diminutive-in-stature-but-superlative-in-spirit
Cocoyea, became the winning piece in the mascot youth beamed with excitement as he, along with his
design competition for school children staged by the proud secondary school Spanish teacher mother,
local organising committee (LOC) for the Trinbago 2023 Wilesse Annisette proved welcoming hosts.
Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) hosted in the
twin-island Republic from August 4th to 11th. “I am proud of myself. I am happy that I won and I am
happy that I got to do something that I like, which is
The win instantly made young Djibril, the brainchild of the art.” Djibril elaborated. The use of the word “like” and
CYG mascot, a living legend in his own right. Djibril’s apparent modesty belied the extensive collection
of his drawings found in his bedroom.
With the Games themed: “Changing lives for the better -
inspire, engage and unite the youth and young people of Usually tucked carefully and neatly away in folders, the
the Commonwealth,” Trinidad abd Tobago Olympic drawings depict some of his favourite cartoon
Committee Lewis said of Djibril’s achievement, “He is characters and some freehand drawings. But in the
part of history. It’s his enduring legacy.” majority, drawings of the popular fictional character--
Thomas the Tank Train from the British Railway Series
For years to come, Cocoyea - now synonymous with books by the father and son team Wilbert and
Trinidad and Tobago’s hosting of the 7th edition of the Christopher Awdry - are by far Djibril’s favourite.
CYG event - will remain etched in this country’s history.
Djibril will be known as the person that inspired the final He makes this explicitly clear. In fact, so great is his
piece - redefined by a Kenneth Henry-design - approved fixation with trains and railways that he wants a meeting
by the LOC - that brought the character to life to be the with the country’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley to
official Trinbago 2023 CYG mascot. have talks about reverting to the old railway system. He
is adamant this will solve the problem of the irritating
At three (3) feet tall and 70lbs, the Santa Cruz youngster traffic congestion around the country. Not only that, he

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