Governor His Excellency William Boyd McCleary and Mr Julien N. Johnson of the Rotary Club of Tortola and Chief Operating Officer of the Financial Investigation Agency (second from left) among others of the recent 'Step it Up' programme, at today's press briefing. Photo: VINO

FTM's Craig A. Lake aka DJ Push Pop said that he felt that it was prudent for him to specially recognize and honour all those who played a role in programme which has no doubt impacted more than 300 young men of the VI. Photo: VINO

The 'Step it Up' programme was inspired by First Lady Mrs Lorna Smith over a year ago and FTM took on the challenge of impacting youths in a positive way. Photo: VINO

FTM honoured all their main sponsors and facilitators who were instrumental in the staging of the ‘Step it Up’ programme which was held on March 7, 2014. Photo: VINO

Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn was among those present. Photo: VINO

This was the recognition of one of the facilitators of the recently concluded programme Mr Julien N. Johnson of the Rotary Club of Tortola and Chief Operating Officer of the Financial Investigation Agency. He spoke of this during a simple yet impressive press briefing ceremony held this morning March 24, 2014 at the ‎Training Division.

According to Mr Johnson he has specifically admired the professional handling of the affairs of FTM noting that they deserve accolades for operating the organisation like a business.

He also noted the impact it had on the young men of the Territory. "I think we all see their problems. As somebody involved in the hiring process at my place of employment we see how the young men are falling behind in so many different ways. Enough of them are not prepared for the job market, enough of them are not prepared to go out into the world of work and really fend for themselves in a legitimate and honest way," said Mr Johnson.

FTM's Craig A. Lake aka DJ Push Pop said that he felt that it was prudent for him to specially recognize and honour all those who played a role in programme which has no doubt impacted more than 300 young men of the VI.

Among the many others who spoke briefly primarily to congratulate FTM for the initiative was Governor His Excellency William Boyd McCleary who said the programme was one that was timely. "‎I think this is a community which traditionally was involved in rearing young people, it's an area which has probably forgotten its commitment to young people, forgotten the importance of listening and talking," noted the Governor. He said the programme was one that has the potential to effect a change in that regard.

Lake told this news site that FTM is committed to remaining diligent in playing a role in bringing about a change for youths across the Territory.

A similar programme is set for female students and is likely to be staged in September 2014.

He said that among the wide range of topics to be covered are purpose in life, school dropout, teenage pregnancy, social media, crime and violence, gender equality, and prison life.

The 'Step it up' programme was inspired by First Lady Mrs Lorna Smith over a year ago and FTM took on the challenges of impacting youths in a positive way.