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.