Roadtown, Tortola - After several weeks of personal interviews to find the ideal cast for its youth television talk show: “Youth Taking Action”, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports has selected 14 young people to make the programme a reality.

The cast include host Touche McClean, co-host Nicaida Samuel, Michael Venzen, Kynea Griffith, Ronn Grant, Jareem Williams, Celine Thomas, Tresha Lettsome, Cargaill Wright, Corina Corea, Shaquel Huggins, Nikita Turnbull and Estaban Smith.

Speaking at the Eighth Sitting of the Second Session of the First House of Assembly, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie said the department successfully launched the cast on Saturday, July 18 at Charlie’s Court Yard, The Moorings.

In an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, the cast highlighted their expectations for the show and identified issues they are passionate about. Issues include breaking the cycle of youth violence, greed, vengeance, illicit sex, self-esteem, judgement, economics, relationships and intimacy, teenage pregnancy, work, sports, crime and commitment to goals.

Hon. Fahie said the talk show is designed to give young people the freedom to speak their minds and to air their views on the issues that affect them.

Hon. Fahie said the talk show is a milestone in the existence of Government as it creates a positive outlet for youth expression and it represents the hopes and dreams of a generation that is seeking to be heard.

“Young people will be able to bring to light their solutions, their needs, their ideas, and we the Government have no other choice than to listen with an open mind and act with a pure heart in the best interest of our youth,” Hon. Fahie said.

The minister said the talk show is another way to develop a balance between the sporting and youth initiatives presented by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

“We are ensuring that we move our Territory from good to great in youth development,” Hon. Fahie said.
Assistant Director of Youth Affairs and Sports charged with coordinating youth development initiatives, Mrs. Persia Tobin-Evelyn, said the cast is filled with varying personalities that will bring a balance to the show’s dynamic objective.

“The talk show will provide an avenue for experience in media production. It will highlight young people who have positively impacted the society via their innate talents and it will bring an awareness of career opportunities in youth and sports development,” according to Mrs. Evelyn.

The cast and viewers will learn how to present issues that will help them develop their awareness and management of emotions; they will learn the value of setting and realising personal goals, while understanding the models for effective decision making and responsible behaviour.

Production of the “Youth in Action” television talk show will begin in late August 2009 and the cast is expected to use creative avenues to present topics to which their peers can relate.