One is of the belief that the promotion of culture and talents is done through media. Craig Lake “Trash”, a local Disc Jockey in the Virgin Islands has been working the radio waves providing relevant content to listeners and giving pertinent information applicable to real world issues through talented local artist.

With his seven years experience behind the microphones, spinning discs and playing music to suit his listeners demand at Zrod, Trash also uses this medium to connect with the youth who embrace the opportunities to showcase their musical talent.

“I’ve been involved with the youths for quite sometime and has developed a relationship with them on my programme after I invited a hip hop group to the station last September,” he added.

With local youths influenced by the global power of shared culture that permeates the media sphere, it dawned on Trash to invite other talented groups to perform live on air. The air play gained much recognition and has since been motivating youngsters to develop and maintain a positive attitude.

“We have so many talents here, other DJs give overseas artiste a lot of airplay but I try to promote local artiste as well,” he informed.

In providing a medium to channel the 11 hip-hop and R&B groups which comprise both male and female ranging from ages 14-19 in the Territory, the groups battled for a top spot each week on the stations Top 7 chart, which captures the attention of the public to vote for their favorite group.

This method of displaying local talents quickly germinated into a successful Award Show in March of this year- a brainchild of Trash. The top group was awarded and has since gained popularity in the VI, while continuing to climb the ladder of success.

Trash told StandPoint during an interview that this is an opportunity for the youths to feed their energy into something positive and in doing this, their music has to be positive and free of profanity.

Still fresh from his locally organized talent show last Saturday at the Sir Rupert Biercliffe Hall in Road Town, Trash mentioned that the purpose of the show was not just about performance but was focused on getting a number of young people under one the same roof.

“This was also a success and the youngsters were addressed by a role model from the public to give them a positive outlook on life. I used the funds from the Award Show in March to put on the Talent Show,” he told StandPoint.

He disclosed that Deputy Premier Dancia Penn-Sallah, HIV/AIDS Coordinator Dr. Ronald McAnaney, Honourable Elvis Harrigan and Rodney Herbert, General Manager of Zrod are individuals that have shown a keen interest in promoting the youngsters of these groups in various ways. According to Trash, they have fully supported his efforts to promote and keep the youths focused on their goals.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Education Andrew Fahie is eyeing the possibilities of having a music school in the VI, to market local talents which will attract “music scouts” globally.

“Having an Award Show really motivates them, the more exposure they get the better it is for them. With a Music School in place, this will give outsiders a chance to view the kinds of talents we have here in the VI. Yes we are young and at the end of the day, most of us ended up doing dumb things, but adults should not criticize, they should come out and try to help with the youngsters,” he lamented

With little in place for the youth, after the Basketball season comes to a close each year, Trash encourages other individuals to get involved in promoting and steering the youths toward a positive lifestyle as this will have a lasting impression on the society.

Trash disclosed that during his years at the Elmore Stoutt High School , being part of the Student’s Council gave him a positive outlook on life in helping to mold young minds positively.

“As a teenager growing up I was motivated by Hon. Elvis Harrigan who was and is still my role model, someone who has assisted the youth and continued to channel them in a positive path,” he alluded.

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