If you’ve ever watched a Council of Ministers briefing, you’re most likely familiar with the moderator, Roylyka Roache. Whether she’s breaking the island’s internet with her memeable reactions, or standing poised and professional in the face of the weirdest questions, one thing remains true: Roylyka is always a pleasure to see each week. Recently, she gave us a bit of her time and sat down in the Hot Seat to show us a bit of what we don’t get to see.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 29 years of age (28 in my head, as 2020 doesn’t count). Born and raised on Sint Maarten and currently working at the Department of Communication as a Voorlichter, I still use my expertise throughout the department. I recently graduated with my Master’s in communication. This may be useless information: however, my favourite colours are pink and black, I have a one-and-a-half-year-old Maltese mixed Chihuahua, and seven tattoos that are mostly hidden.
What made you decide to get two degrees in communications?
Well, my undergrad is a BA in English with a minor in PR and Advertising. Since high school, I’ve always had a love for the English language, not so much the literature part, but more so the technical aspect of English and overall writing. From there, my love and passion began. (Side note: I can remember countless occasions during kindergarten and elementary school whereby teachers would threaten to call my mother because I was speaking during classes. How ironic that I now practically speak for a living!)
At the age of 17, I joined Teen Times which further developed my interests and love for writing and communication. In 2019, I decided it was time and I applied to Southern New Hampshire University’s Master program in Communication. It seemed only logical and natural to further explore the area of communication, especially with my love for communication coupled with working at DCOMM.
What’s it like working for DCOMM and seeing yourself in so many different places?
Truthfully, it still catches me by surprise and amazes me every time I hear my voice on the radio or see myself on television or Facebook. My reaction is usually: “That’s me” kind of emotion. I am truly blessed that it comes natural to me. However, I am very fortunate to be working within my field of studies – both undergrad and grad studies.
How has COVID changed how you do your job?
COVID, in my opinion, has evolved my work ethics and how I perform my tasks. I love virtual spaces as it allows the advancement of technology to shine through (many may disagree, but I love it). I guess also completing my entire course of graduate studies online, allowed me a first-hand account of the benefits of how COVID has expanded the way we work and communicate.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I am considering furthering my education either to obtain another Master’s degree or to enrol in a PhD program. The academic part of my future is a bit hazy for now. As it relates to my career, I’d like to take on a more managerial position within the government organization – with a couple more years of experience under my belt, I should be ready. As it pertains to my love life, I am in a relationship, so I’ll await the ring once we’re ready (lol).
How do you feel about being so young, but also having so many accomplishments?
It’s scary. But I’m very thankful for my family who cemented my foundation. Without them, I wouldn’t be here to tell this story. I said earlier that it’s a scary feeling, and I meant it in terms of just sitting back and realizing like: “Hey! I’ve done all of this; what’s next?” My tribe often tells me to take time and bask in what I’ve already accomplished. And I’m trying to do more of that. Everyone’s journey won’t ever be the same; my education and career took off before my love and social life, but everything is levelling out now. I’m basking, but still in search of the next journey. Overall, reviewing what I have under my belt makes me proud and excited for the future.
Outside of communications, how do you spend your free time?
I love the beach, but hardly ever swim (yes, I know my logic isn’t there); but living away for a few years makes you enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. I enjoy dates (day and night) with my significant other as well as my tribe of amazing friends. Anything that allows me to spend time with my family, I’m here for it – as well as catching flights. I’ve missed traveling so much over the last year and a half, and I hope to do more of it very soon. I’ve also vowed to read and write more leisurely, as most material I read or write is either educational- or work-related.
If you could have a conversation with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and what would you want to ask them?
At the moment, I can only think of two. The first is Oprah Winfrey. (Talk about someone who makes money by speaking for a living – amongst other things, of course!) I don’t have any pre-set questions, but I’d just love to have a conversation with her – she’s such a conversationalist. The second would be Thornton “Amos” Gumbs, my grandfather. He passed away in 2016 and was not able to witness, at least physically, my current position with work, and just overall position in life. I’d want to hear his views and thoughts about how he feels. (His opinion obviously mattered a great deal to me).
