On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Enis Adams Primary School Courtyard in Meyers Estate will transform into a vibrant hub of innovation as it hosts a grand showcase featuring cutting-edge robotic devices and advanced technology. Photo: campstogo.com/File

The event on Friday, July 18, 2025, marks the culmination of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Summer Robotics Camp, an engaging programme designed to inspire and nurture the minds of young innovators. Photo: GIS

The Virgin Islands National Robotics Team participated in the FIRST Global Robotics Competition held in Athens, Greece in 2024, and achieved an impressive sixth (6th) place among the seventeen (17) Caribbean countries in attendance and ranked one hundred and eleventh (111th) out of one hundred and eighty (180) internationally. Photo: GIS/File

This event marks the culmination of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Summer Robotics Camp, an engaging programme designed to inspire and nurture the minds of young innovators.

The Robotics Summer Camp, which commenced on July 8 and will conclude on July 18, 2025, is being held at L. Adorothy Turnbull Building, Elmore Stoutt High School campus.

This exciting initiative, coordinated by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS), caters to students aged 13 to 18 years old, offering them a unique opportunity to delve into the realms of technology and creativity through hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects.

FIRST Global Challenge

At the conclusion of the camp, exceptional participants will have the chance to be selected to represent the Virgin Islands (BVI) in Panama City for the prestigious FIRST Global Challenge.

This international robotics competition serves as a platform for young minds to showcase their skills and innovations on a global stage.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is deeply committed to fostering a culture of robotics and technological proficiency within its educational framework.

This commitment is evident in the significant investments made in robotics equipment, comprehensive teacher training programs, and active participation in international robotics competitions.

Recognising that robotics is not merely about machines, the government aims to cultivate essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation in the students, equipping them with the tools they need for success in a technology-driven future.

International exposure

Making history, Team BVI was the first group to represent the territory in the FIRST Global Robotics Competition, competing in the vibrant city of Singapore in 2023.

This pioneering team consisted of talented students from both Elmore Stoutt High School and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Their participation in the FIRST Global Challenge not only highlighted their technical skills but also emphasised the importance of STEM education and teamwork.

The inaugural 2023 team featured bright minds such as Amani Brown, Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell, Jayron Gibson, and K'Dyah James, all supported by dedicated mentors. The students were chosen following a rigorous summer camp focused specifically on robotics, receiving support from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association, and the St. Kitts Nevis Robotics Association.

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

The team comprised Amani Brown, Michaela Jack, Kh'Mouri Anthony, Judiah Case, and Elyon Jones, accompanied by a passionate coaching staff consisting of Andre Roberts, Caren Cuffy-Jules, Lauren Welch, and Renee Weston. Their hard work paid off, as 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.

This recognition not only reflects the students' dedication but also underscores the potential of the Virgin Islands youth in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and technology.