io-Van Croal of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) emerged the Overall Champion in the Apprentice Category of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) Lineworkers Rodeo on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Photo: BVIEC

The team comprising Edward Pollock, Shaquil Samuel, and Damien Richardson, placed first in the category challenges of 3-Phase Earth Installation and HV Fuse Cutout Installation. Photo: BVIEC

An 8-member team represented the BVI Electricity Corporation at the 2026 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo in Dominica on April 26, 2026. Photo: BVIEC

The 2026 CARILEC Lineworkers Symposium and Rodeo was held in Portsmouth, Dominica, from April 24 to 26, 2026. The rodeo took place at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth. 

The team competed in Hurtman Rescue, Pole Speed Climb, 1-Phase Equipotential Ground, HV Fuse Replacement, and the Mystery Event, earning 398 points. Lyndon Durand of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) placed second with 396 points, and Johan Stephen of Saint Lucia Electricity Services (LUCILEC) placed third with 386 points. 

BVIEC’s Lionel Smith placed second in the 1-Phase Equipotential Ground. Malvern Wyke rounded off the Apprentice team. 

Experienced Category 

The Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) emerged as the overall experienced champion, while APUA placed second, and Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) placed third. 

Team BVIEC, however, secured some wins in the category challenges. The team comprising Edward Pollock, Shaquil Samuel, and Damien Richardson, placed first in the category challenges of 3-Phase Earth Installation and HV Fuse Cutout Installation. Trevor Stevens (Team Lead) and Toriano King also formed part of the experienced team.

BVIEC won the overall rodeo title in 2024. 

A reflection of world-class standards- GM Dr Smith

BVIEC General Manager, Dr Neil M. Smith, said he could not be prouder of the Team BVIEC's accomplishments during this year's rodeo. "To see Jio-Van Croal crowned Apprentice Overall Champion of the Caribbean and to stand alongside the very best in the region with six awards and four gold finishes speaks volumes about the talent, training, and dedication of every member of Team BVIEC. These are the men who climb the poles, restore power after outages, and keep the lights on for every household and business in this Territory. Their performance on the regional stage is a reflection of the world-class standards we hold ourselves to here at home."

Dr Smith said their performance is the product of years of investment in training, safety, and equipment, and the unwavering support of colleagues across every department of the BVIEC. 

The team returns to the Virgin Islands this morning, April 28, 2026.

The 2026 CARILEC Lineworkers Symposium and Rodeo was held under the theme ‘Skill. Strength. Safety’. The annual symposium and rodeo are designed to empower Lineworkers through training and competition and focus heavily on developing safe work practices, teamwork, and regional collaboration. The Rodeo follows Lineworker Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on April 18. 

The 2027 edition will be hosted by the St Kitts Electricity Corporation Limited (SKELEC) in St Kitts.