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5 selected to represent VI @FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Panama

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), with the 5-member robotics team to compete in the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Panama. Photo: GIS
The announcement of the Virgin Islands team for the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Panama was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), during this year's Summer Robotics Camp Showcase and Exhibition. Photo: GIS
The announcement of the Virgin Islands team for the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Panama was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), during this year's Summer Robotics Camp Showcase and Exhibition. Photo: GIS
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) has encouraged robotics campers to continue engaging with robotics, emphasising that consistent practice and participation would prepare them to represent the Territory on international platforms. Photo: GIS
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) has encouraged robotics campers to continue engaging with robotics, emphasising that consistent practice and participation would prepare them to represent the Territory on international platforms. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Five students from the Virgin Islands (VI) have been selected to represent the Territory at the 2025 FIRST Global Robotics Competition, scheduled to take place in Panama from October 29 to November 1, 2025.

The team comprises Jayron Gibson and Denae Scatliffe Chalwell, graduates of the Elmore Stoutt High School, Grade 12 students Judiah Case and Keyara Smith and Grade 11 student Eleazar Brooks of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), during this year's Summer Robotics Camp Showcase and Exhibition, a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS) stated.

Words of encouragement

Honourable de Castro encouraged campers to continue engaging with robotics, emphasising that consistent practice and participation would prepare them to represent the Territory on international platforms. She noted that such experiences not only develop technical skills but also enhance their readiness for other opportunities.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Global Robotics Competition, established in 2017, is an international event that aims to inspire and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among students worldwide.

The VI participated for the first time in the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in 2023, when the event was held in Singapore.

In 2024, the VI returned to the competition, this time in the historical city of Athens, Greece.

'Team BVI' secured an impressive 6th place out of 17 Caribbean teams and achieved a notable ranking of 111th on the international stage during the 2024 competition.

9 Responses to “5 selected to represent VI @FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Panama”

  • jack (22/07/2025, 08:35) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    The minister ah wuk 4 more years
  • Cindy (22/07/2025, 08:49) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    this is moving the education system from good to great
    • Really? (22/07/2025, 14:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Meanwhile we have children spending DAYS at the biggest high school in the nation without running water and working toilets. And then when there is water, no soap to wash their hands and toilet paper. But yeah she doing GREAT!!
  • Nice (22/07/2025, 09:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go do your thing! May God be with you all in the competition and propel the team to victory. Blessings for a safe and wonderful trip.
  • ED minister (22/07/2025, 09:08) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good luck to the team? Why does the minister need to travel there though?
    • @ ed minister (22/07/2025, 10:09) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      When ndp was glob flying not a man say a word!!! She needs to be there bam
      • Hush (22/07/2025, 21:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thats all ayo can do. Justify wrong and compare who do the wrong the best. I wasn't voting age when NDP was in so don't tell me nuttin bout them. All of we fall in fhe same potholes and many of us can't take a proper shower tonight. Reason the place going stay how it is because the competitom for biggest crook position never end
    • Guest (22/07/2025, 13:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Ed Minister - I don't see any references in this article to the Minister travelling with the team. Infact the event hasn't taken place as yet. It is scheduled from October 29 to November 1, 2025. Read and comprehend and stop just watching pictures.
      And to @ ed minister - make sure you know what you are responding to before you get froggy and jumpy.
  • Anonymous (22/07/2025, 16:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    say one say two Hon Decastro has bene the most innovative education minister in the history of the bvi and that needs no debate


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