For the first time, the British Virgin Islands will play host to the CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium and Field Safety Training, an annual event that brings together electrical lineworkers from across the Caribbean.

The event, scheduled for April 25–27, will be organized by the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) in partnership with CARILEC, the regional association for electric utilities.

The competition and training sessions, which draw participants from CARILEC’s 33 member utilities, aim to showcase the skill, safety, and teamwork of the men and women who maintain the region’s power infrastructure. The event also serves as a critical training platform, preparing lineworkers for emergency response deployments under CARILEC’s Disaster Assistance Programme, which supports Caribbean nations recovering from hurricanes and other natural disasters.

The 2025 Rodeo coincides with Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, an annual observance recognizing the essential role of power line crews, who often work in hazardous conditions to keep homes, businesses, and public services running. Hosting the event is a major milestone for the BVI, underscoring the territory’s growing influence in the regional energy sector.

“We are extremely proud to welcome CARILEC and its participating utilities to the British Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC. “This event is not just a historic moment for the BVI, but a testament to our commitment to excellence in energy services. Lineworkers are the backbone of our power infrastructure, and this event highlights the importance of safety, training, and professional development.”

Beyond the competition, the Rodeo provides hands-on training in best practices for safety and efficiency, a priority for the industry. Melony James, BVIEC’s Occupational Health and Safety Manager, highlighted the significance of these sessions.

“Safety remains our top priority at BVIEC. The Rodeo and Symposium offer an invaluable opportunity for lineworkers to refine their skills, engage in technical exercises, and learn from their peers across the region,” James said.

She also encouraged the public to support the BVIEC team, which will compete in the Rodeo with hopes of securing a third consecutive championship title.

“Your presence will be a powerful show of support for the hardworking lineworkers who keep our communities powered and safe. The energy and encouragement from the crowd can make all the difference as they demonstrate their skills, speed, and teamwork in this thrilling competition,” James added.

For more information about the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training, contact BVIEC at (284) 494-3911 or 852-4600.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has invited tenders for the provision of insurance coverage for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, located at 33 Administration Drive, Wickham’s Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The required coverage includes Contractor’s All Risk, Public Liability, and Fire and Extended Perils, which encompasses storm and earthquake protection.

The Ministry of Communications and Works, acting on behalf of the government, seeks proposals from locally based insurance companies to provide these services. Prospective tenderers must meet specific criteria, including holding a valid licence to operate as an insurance company or agent in the British Virgin Islands and demonstrating compliance with tax, duty, and social security obligations.

Interested parties must submit a completed Form of Tender, a financial proposal, and proof of good standing with relevant governmental agencies. Additional documentation outlined in the tender instructions must also be provided. Failure to submit the required documentation will render a bid non-responsive.

Tender documents can be requested via email at procurement@gov.vg with the subject title “Insurance Coverage for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex.” Applicants are responsible for ensuring receipt of documents, as the government’s procurement mailbox does not provide automatic confirmations.

A virtual pre-tender meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 13th March, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Access credentials for the meeting will be provided to all prospective tenderers beforehand.

Tenders must be submitted in one original copy, three additional copies, and a flash drive containing all documents. The original tender should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “ORIGINAL,” while additional copies should be placed in a separate sealed envelope marked “COPIES.” These envelopes must then be placed in an outer envelope labelled “Tender for Insurance Coverage for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex” and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tenders Board, Ministry of Finance, Procurement Unit, RFG Place 2nd Floor, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands.

The submission deadline is 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, 1st April. Late submissions will not be accepted. The tenders will be opened at 11:45 a.m. on the same day at the Procurement Unit, Ministry of Finance, RFG Building, Road Town, and tenderers may witness the process via Webex.

The Government of the Virgin Islands reserves the right to reject any or all tenders and will not be responsible for any costs incurred by applicants in the preparation of their proposals.