The Bermuda Youth Summit took place last Saturday at the Bermuda College with over 200 local students attending to express their views on a broad range of community issues.

And despite a much smaller turn-out than expected because of the last minute withdrawal of star attraction Lil? JJ, the famous television host who was tied up on a film set in California, co-producer Gina Spence yesterday insisted the event was a great success and fulfilled a vital function.

?In a lot of community forums such as the Bermuda Independence Commission meetings, there is a lack of young participants so it is important to do justice to this dynamic,? she said.

?In past years we?ve had quite a few more attend but I think we were held back quite a bit this year when we had to announce early on Saturday that Lil? JJ was not able to come. People generally want to come to see the stars as well as discuss the issues so it was a setback. But nevertheless as the evening went on more and more people came and when we talked about issues, such as Independence, the discussion was very lively. We were very happy overall with how it worked out.?

The Summit was organised in collaboration with popular cable channel BET, with a channel producer and presenter Jelissa ? the latter from the Dominican Republic and the first Latina to be hired by the channel ? on hand to entertain the crowd and facilitate further discussion.

Speaking to moments before going on stage, the young presenter, who turned almost all male heads in the building, said she was thrilled to be in Bermuda for the first time ? particularly given the opportunity to work with young people.

?It gives me such a lot of pleasure getting involved in really positive events designed to help the youth,? she said.

?I?ve never been to Bermuda before but I?ve been blown away so far. The people have been so warm and friendly and I am delighted that I?ve been able to come down here and speak with young people about their goals for the future. Anything is possible if you want it enough. I know. It?s just a question of how hard you?re prepared to work to get what you want.?

But debate was not the only activity of the evening, with regular performances from local entertainers, including Hitman Records? Lady Tyson ? who gave a beautiful rendition of ?What about the children? ? and Zion.

The evening was hosted by Gavin Smith, Sancha Durham and Powergirl from Power 95 FM Patrina Paynter and concluded with a BET video music countdown.