Virgin Islands Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, has congratulated Team St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Robotics for becoming the top-performing Caribbean team at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Photo: Facebook

In a message of regional solidarity, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro,praised the Vincentian students for advancing to the FIRST Global playoffs and described their achievement as a major accomplishment for a small island developing state. Photo: Facebook

In a message of regional solidarity, Minister de Castro praised the Vincentian students for advancing to the FIRST Global playoffs and described their achievement as a major accomplishment for a small island developing state.

“I’m just here to big up Team St Vincent and the Grenadines. Congratulations on being the top Caribbean country to make it into the FIRST Global playoffs. That’s a big deal,” she said. “As a Small Island Developing State, for you to do this at this level, we’re proud.”

‘Small but Tallawah’

Minister de Castro celebrated the team with the words, “You’re small, but you’re TALLAWAH,” using the Caribbean expression to highlight the students’ strength, resilience and outstanding achievement on the world stage.

“We just want to use this opportunity to encourage support for robotics, for STEAM, STEM, innovation and creativity in the Caribbean region,” she added. “St Vincent, big up yourself. We are proud of you.”

Regional Achievement

Team SVG Robotics finished 13th globally at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge, held from October 7 to 10, earning a ranking score of 274.3 across 11 matches. The result made St Vincent and the Grenadines the highest-ranked Caribbean nation at the competition, which brought together more than 180 national teams.

The FIRST Global Challenge is an international robotics competition designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among young people. The 2026 edition was hosted in Incheon, South Korea, with more than 190 national teams participating.

A Moment of Caribbean Pride

Minister de Castro said Team SVG’s success demonstrates that young people from small Caribbean territories can compete at the highest international levels when given the opportunity, training and support.

The recognition from the Virgin Islands minister underscores the growing sense of regional pride surrounding Team SVG Robotics’ performance. It also highlights the importance of celebrating Caribbean excellence in science, technology and innovation, particularly as small island developing states continue to build capacity in emerging fields.