Education
Virgin Islands Students Set to Showcase Robotics Skills on Global Stage in Singapore
A team of four talented students from secondary schools in the Virgin Islands has been selected to participate in the annual international Global Robotics Challenge. The event, known as the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” (FIRST) Robotics Challenge, will take place from October 7 to 10 in Singapore.
The team consists of Amani Brown, Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell, Jayron Gibson from Elmore Stoutt High School, and K’Dyah James from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. They will join teams from around the world to showcase their talent, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Accompanying the students will be mentors Careen Cuffy-Jules and Andre Roberts, who will provide guidance and support throughout the competition. The participation of the Virgin Islands in this prestigious event is seen as an excellent opportunity for the students to gain international exposure and demonstrate their abilities on a global stage.
Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, expressed her excitement about the students’ involvement in the FIRST Global Challenge. She believes that the competition not only allows them to compete but also to learn, grow, and be inspired by experts in the field. The Minister is confident that the team will make the Virgin Islands proud.
Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, Acting Chief Education Officer, highlighted the significance of the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge. The event brings together teams from all over the world to address important global challenges through robotics. She emphasized that it is not just about competition but also about collaboration and learning from one another. With over 180 nations participating, the event showcases the global interest in STEM education and robotics.
The team was selected based on their participation in a robotics workshop held on September 1, where they demonstrated their interest, cooperation, innovation, persistence, and analytical skills. Education Officer for Science, Ms. Renee Weston, and Education Officer for Information and Computer Technology, Ms. Lauren Welch, are coordinating the students’ participation in the upcoming event, which will revolve around the theme “Hydrogen Horizons.”
The team’s participation is made possible through sponsorship provided by FIRST Global. The Ministry of Education congratulates the Virgin Islands’ team on their selection and wishes them success in the 2023 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Singapore.
The Ministry remains committed to providing high-quality educational services and promoting access to sports and recreation to enrich the lives of the residents of the Virgin Islands.
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is set to shine a light on the Territory’s energy future with the launch of “BVIEC Presents: Watts Going On!”, a week of educational activities taking place from November 10–14, under the theme “Connecting Education, Energy & Opportunity.”
The initiative aims to strengthen links between the energy sector, local schools, and the wider community through a series of interactive tours and learning experiences at BVIEC’s facilities. The week-long programme will give students and professionals a firsthand look at how electricity is generated and distributed across the Virgin Islands, while promoting interest in careers within the growing energy industry.
Guided tours will be held at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond and the Anegada Power Station, offering participants an inside view of BVIEC’s day-to-day operations and technological processes that keep the Territory powered.
Targeting senior high school and secondary school students, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the field of energy. Participating institutions include the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Secondary School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Agape (Secondary Division), Imagination Academy (Secondary Division), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
A special tour will also be hosted for students of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre at the Anegada Power Station.
The initiative will culminate on Friday, November 14, with a special session for members of the business community. The guided tour at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station will offer participants insights into BVIEC’s operations, sustainability efforts, and commitment to service excellence across the Territory.
BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, said the “Watts Going On!” initiative represents more than just an open house—it’s an investment in the future of energy in the Virgin Islands.
“This year’s Watts Going On! initiative represents more than just a tour—it’s about sparking curiosity, building understanding, and creating pathways for the next generation to explore careers in energy,” said Haynes. “By inviting students, educators, and the business community to see what we do up close, we’re highlighting the importance of the energy sector and its impact on everyday life.”
Haynes added that the programme underscores BVIEC’s commitment to youth engagement and innovation.
“The energy industry continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By engaging our students early and encouraging technical curiosity, BVIEC is helping to inspire the future of energy in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
BVIEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, for their partnership in coordinating school participation and supporting educational initiatives that inspire career development in the Territory.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Department of Student Affairs hosted Campus Wellness Day on Thursday, October 9, under the theme “Mental Health Matters — and so do YOU,” promoting open dialogue and awareness about mental well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
The event, held in the College Atrium at Paraquita Bay, featured a panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma – Talking Openly About Mental Health,” led by Director of Student Affairs Dr. Albert Thompkins and psychological professionals Dr. Michelle Martin and Dr. June Samuels. The panel addressed topics including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies for managing academic and personal stress.
Dr. Thompkins said the initiative was designed to encourage honest conversations about mental health and provide access to supportive resources. “Creating safe spaces for students to talk openly about their experiences helps reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities,” he said.
Participants were introduced to tools and community support networks aimed at helping individuals manage stress and strengthen resilience both personally and professionally.
The Department of Student Affairs said the event forms part of HLSCC’s ongoing commitment to student wellness, reinforcing that mental health is essential to academic and personal success.
Education
Elmore Stoutt High School Student Wins 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition Theme Competition
Niaeika Aymer, a 17-year-old student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market Theme Competition, officials confirmed on Wednesday, October 22.
Aymer received a $250 prize from Mr. Vernol Richards, Veterinary Assistant at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, during a brief presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Orville Clarke, Agriculture Management Officer.
Mr. Richards commended Aymer for her creativity and consistency in the competition.
“Congratulations, Niaeika, for the remarkable job,” Richards said. “I encourage more youth to be involved in agriculture and fisheries. Niaeika submitted five entries, and I was happy to be the one to have chosen her winning entry, which was ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nurturing Lives and Legacies.’”
Officials said the annual competition encourages students to engage with the themes of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability while promoting youth involvement in the Territory’s primary industries.
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