Good leadership is an absolutely pivotal skill to guide youth through the challenges of the period of transition from childhood, adolescence into adulthood.
It is also necessary in harnessing their unique precocious talents which in turn creates more holistic individuals and a more functional society. Undisputed!
Former US President, John Quincy Adams once declared that, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
Magnus “Ballot ” Deboville, a community activist from the community of Anse la Raye who advocates primarily for social transformation and youth development exemplifies just that.
Born in an extended family of a St Lucian carpenter (father) and St. Lucian vendor (mother), Magnus has always had an affinity for the creative and culinary arts as well as gaining an understanding of individualistic personalities.
With an effervescent and joyous persona, Magnus exudes the self confidence of a bird committing itself to the air despite the gravitational pull of life’s course.
Throughout his illustrious career and contributions to community,which all started with “Believers 2000” a youth group of about thirty (30) plus young persons, Ballot has forged a reputation for consistently desiring change and positively inspiring people.
“I changed the forum of my brain from wanting to be a teacher into wanting to be an educator.” he said when prised on his aspirations as a young adult.
Mr. Deboville who has served as chairman on the Board of Directors of ‘Youth on Fire Movement’ (YOFM), a not-for-profit organization in the community of Anse La Raye, which aims to facilitate hollistic development of young persons; first envisioned creating an ‘economically viable class’ after being introduced by Mr. Albert Joseph, one of the founding members of (YOFM) on his return home after a stint in the United Kingdom.
It is safe to say that this vision has come to fruition and is being actively unfolded as Faustina ‘Tina’ Edward is pursuing her law degree in the United Kingdom, Jamer ‘Captain Neil’ Georges won the prestigious and regional Sandals Ultimate Team Member of the Year award and Crisselda ‘Chrissy’ Cox the recipient of a football schorlarship in the United States of America, a DNA sample of the plethora of talent from the (YOFM) factory.
Furthermore, Ballot’s endeavours as the proprietor of ‘Ballot’s Cafe Village Tastee’, a restaurant located on Mole Street Anse La Raye, brings together the essence of local cuisine and a peaceful ambience where one can relax, dine and have a chat, epitomises his steadfast, resilient and intuitive nature.
A creamer to the tea, ‘Cafe Conversation’ a series hosted by Ballot highlighting positivity in the community of Anse La Raye, featured the likes of renowned artists as Infinate, Jozzy Smalls, Alentha Arthur, business owner of Knotless Strands, Nina Mitchell proprietor of ‘A Touch of Creativity’, Morgan William a chef and barber as well as the aforementioned ‘Captain Neil’.
“What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?” was followed by a proud smile knowing the simplicity of his response. “Contentment, being happy and being responsible for myself.” Magnus Ballot Deboville has impacted the lives of many throughout the community and etched his name in the pantheon of great leaders such as the late Petronilla Deterville, musical icon through his resolute leadership, influence and continuous message. ‘Do for self what one can do for you.’
