We will be featuring each of the Queen's Young Leaders of the OECS, their stories in youth development, their experience in being a Queen's Young Leader and their plans for their country. In this interview we speak to Dillon Ollivierre of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
OY: For people across the OECS, who may not be familiar with your work, what youth programs/initiatives are you involved with in your country/across the region?
DO: I’m a founding member and director of Rise Up Bequia Inc. A social activist non profit organization which focuses on building and strengthening core ideas and practices of sustainable community development, education,agency and outreach.
This mission has lead to the group providing school supplies and vouchers to students affected by the 2013 flood in St.Vincent. The group has also implemented an annual school supplies drive to assist less fortunate students on the Grenadine Island of Bequia.
Rise Up Bequia Inc. recognized that a platform was needed in Bequia to nurture, develop and showcase the island’s talents with emphasis placed on our young performers.The show dubbed Rise Up Bequia Inc. has seen the confidence,passion and performance of the youth of Bequia transcend with the aid of practice and advice from established acts in the local creative industry.
OY: What sparked your involvement in youth development and affairs?
DO: As an only child being pampered by my parents helped me to understand and appreciate life and love. Therefore I sympathized with those who struggle. This developed a passion within me to help and to be involved but how? I began using my poetry, I wrote motivational pieces however when it was reported that a young Vincentian female was reported missing and later found dead ,I immediately began writing a poem about it. This is what really sparked the fire as i continued to write on crime and violence then bullying suicide ,climate change etc.
OY: Undoubtedly the Queen’s Young Leaders week was an unforgettable experience. What activity/event/experience had the greatest impact on you?
DO: It being my first time travelling made it my best life experience. To be travelling to the U.K from a small Island in the caribbean meant this prestigious award would be a life changing experience which taught me to dream BIG!
Three things had the greatest impact, Firstly As I awaited my turn to receive my award the announcer said Dillon Ollivierre from St.Vincent & The Grenadines,within that moment I felt truly like an ambassador for my country. Secondly Being face to face with Her Majesty The Queen placed emphasis on dreaming big( your only limitation is you).Thirdly the opportunity to meet and interact with youth leaders from across the commonwealth who spoke with passion and excitement as they told their stories-this was truly inspiring. And lastly a one hour coaching session which pushed me to think about my career path and the reason I’m indecisive. That hour made me answer all the questions I’ve asked myself and has now propelled me to the next step which is discussions with some people in the field of interest.
OY: What are specific tools/ideas/concepts from the experience were the most important/useful to you?
Effective communication was one of the lessons learnt during the residential week especially as it relates to the media. The media training sessions provided placed emphasis on story telling- how to tell your story and the importance of giving examples to support what you’re saying. Instead of answering the question asked and waiting to be led into the next question take the lead and build on your response. One important point for telling your story is to start with ‘ why’ rather than ‘what’ because people want to know why you’re doing what you're doing.
OY: How do you plan on taking the knowledge & experience you gained and applying it to your country/region?
DO: I already have few ideas which I will be discussing with members of my organization .We will then design plans that can help us to grow and serve the community more effectively and also ways to engage and involve the community to pass on what I’ve learnt.
OY: What’s the next step for you? What can we expect to see from Dillon Ollivierre?
DO: In September I will be travelling to Ottawa Canada to be apart of The One Young World Summit, then in October I’ll be in Grenada for a summit being organized by Queen’s Young Leader Ali Dowden.I plan to embrace and create opportunities for my personal development and the development of St.Vincent & The Grenadines.I believe the more exposure I get the better equipped I will be to effectively serve the youth and people of my country and the region .I’m also deciding between two specific career paths and would pursue studies in one.
OY: What advice/encouragement/message do you have to share with young people in the OECS?
DO: Too often we doubt ourselves and question our abilities. We become our own stumbling block so my advice would be to believe in yourself and your potential. Life is about learning, learn from your mistakes.I believe each of us was created for a purpose, discover yours and work towards it. Be committed and patient. Remember your attitude determines your altitude and don't be afraid to reach out to someone when you’re going through a rough patch. Believe in God, he’s always there for you.
