Teenager Altonio Roberts has a message for young Bermudians: "Be positive, be yourself and be a leader not a follower."

The 17-year-old CedarBridge student and Devonshire resident is a member of the Youth Leadership Team, a group of youths from schools around the Island that promote drug and alcohol-free events.

"We want to spread the word that you don't need to drink, smoke or do drugs to have fun," said Altonio.

As a student representative for PRIDE Bermuda, a charity promoting a drug-free lifestyle, Altonio is heavily involved in its annual "Red Ribbon Week".

The week-long series of activities kicked off last Monday with a ceremony at City Hall where he introduced guest speakers and helped facilitate the event.

As a member of the 2009 Youth Task Force he is helping to get young Bermudians involved in the Island's 400th anniversary through activities designed to get kids motivated.

"We have had events going on all year such as a youth forum, youth debate, various workshops, performances and worship services," he said.

"The Youth Task Force acts like a hub for other youth groups.

"We want to connect with the youth organisations and unite them under one umbrella. We hope to be a resource for these groups, helping them achieve their goals."

Earlier this week he was involved in organising an event honouring school principals from schools all over the Island.

As an aspiring Bible teacher, Altonio is involved with various church groups and says that his Christianity has a lot to do with his desire to help the Bermudian youth and to promote a drug-free community.

"I feel that drugs are a big issue in Bermuda right now. Although they are not the only reason, drugs have a lot to do with the violence and gang culture that we are seeing," he said.

"I have seen family members and friends get caught up with drugs, it's a serious thing, their drug-taking has really messed them up.

"I want to help my country, I want to make a change in my country as a young person."

On top of the many initiatives, groups and projects he is involved with Altonio has been singing for two years with the CedarBridge Chamber singers.

Even with so many things on his plate and so many responsibilities he remains humble and is described by his peers as "an easy going, well-rounded, good person".

When asked why he takes on all these responsibilities, he gave one simple answer: "I do this because it is fun and I want to make a difference."