Page 23 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE

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also dreams of becoming a railway conductor,
harbouring an unwavering belief that the railway was
one of the best inventions this world has seen. The
miniature railway system also found in his bedroom,
keeps him inspired and focused.

Djibril’s love affair with art began at the tender age of
three, recalling: “I saw people doing plenty of
amazing drawings and that inspired me. I was like I
want to be an artist one day.”

His mentor in art is not anyone world-renowned,
though. Instead, Djibril is keeping it all in the family,
crediting the artistic work of an aunt for being the
impetus for his passion.

“She is very good at drawing and painting. I want PROUD PARENTS - Young Djibril Annisette (centre) poses wth his parents after
to be like her. She is an inspiration to how I want winning the competition to design the mascot for the Trinbago2023 Commonwealth
Youth Games (CYG). Flanked by his parents Wilesse and Dr Sean Anissette at their
to be an artist one day,” he reiterates. In his spare Santa Cruz home.
time, he shares his love of art with his followers on
his YouTube channel titled: “Jibbing with Jibs.”

The euphoria surrounding young Djibril in this chapter
of his life, though, is being taught to him by his
parents through the prism of taking things in stride.
His dad, Dr Sean Annisette, a St Augustine UWI
lecturer at the School of Education, said he and
his wife impress upon their son the importance of
remaining humble despite his success.

At the same time, however, the Annisettes ensure
Djibril understands the remarkableness of this
episode of his life, as such a prominent part of this
history-making event for Trinidad and Tobago. “it is
huge! ” Dr Annisette remarked.
COCOYEA REVEALED - (from l to r) Minister of Sport and Community Development
Shamfa Cudjoe, mascot design winner Djibril Annisette, Trinidad and Tobago
When it comes to the reason Djibril chose the Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) president Diane Henderson, and British
leatherback turtle as his idea for a mascot, three High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Harriet Cross all celebrate the launch of
things were considered. Firstly, It is his favourite the mascot, Cocoyea, for the Trinbago2023 Commonwealth Youth Games on
Commonwealth Day back on March 13th at the Rootsyardd, St Ann's.
animal; secondly, it is majestic - as is the honour
the twin-island Republic enjoys having been
selected to host such a propitious event -; and come from near and far to participate and experience this
thirdly, leatherback turtles are somewhat like CYG’s seventh edition and all that Trinidad and Tobago has
athletes...well, competitive swimmers at least to offer through sports tourism.

Djbril also agrees with Trinidad and Tobago Indeed, Djibril is the fuel that life needs; an innovator, a
Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) teacher, a philosopher, an explorer, a builder and a world
President Diane Henderson, about what he leader all combined into this little package of a person. There
describes as a “bonus consideration”: that is no denying that Djibril is well on his way to achieving
leatherback turtles are world travellers. They visit immortalisation through his gifts and talents which certainly
so many shores, just like the people who will will not stop at just inspiring a mascot.