Five young Virgin Islanders — Eleazar Brooks, Keyara Smith, Jayron Gibson, Judiah Case, and Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell — will represent the Territory at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, competing with their robot, Artemis.
The team’s participation marks the Virgin Islands’ third consecutive year in the international robotics competition. Since their debut in Singapore in 2023, followed by Greece in 2024, Team BVI has improved its global standing, advancing from 143rd out of 191 teams to 111th out of 180.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Sharie B. de Castro commended the students for their commitment to innovation and excellence. “As Team BVI proudly represents the Virgin Islands at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama, I extend my highest commendation to our students for their dedication, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of excellence,” she said. “By integrating robotics into our national curriculum, we are developing technical proficiency while nurturing the creativity, resilience, and analytical thinking that will empower our young people to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.”
The national robotics programme has become a structured part of the Virgin Islands’ education curriculum. Students are introduced to robotics and chess through S.T.E.A.M. Innovations in Grade 7, with continued learning opportunities in Grades 8 and 9, and advanced coursework in Robotics and Coding during Grades 10 and 11.
Public-private partnerships have played a key role in the programme’s expansion. Organisations including Exness and Unite BVI have contributed to improving classroom resources and broadening access for students across the Territory. Corporate sponsors Harneys and NAGICO each contributed $5,000 to assist with travel and competition expenses.
Mentors Careen Cuffy and Andre Roberts said student enthusiasm has been instrumental in the programme’s success. “The interest has been huge,” Ms. Cuffy said. “The students show up excited every day. Robotics is something that needs to stay.” Mr. Roberts added, “I’ve seen students who struggle academically thrive here. They get so immersed in building and problem-solving that they don’t even realise how quickly the time goes by.”
This year’s competition, held under the theme “Eco-Equilibrium,” will bring together teams from more than 190 countries to design solutions addressing global environmental challenges.
