14 utility companies and 8 regional and international businesses have completed registration to participate in the highly anticipated 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, taking place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, on the grounds behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola. Photo: CARILEC/File

The BVIEC Team hoping to make it a 3-peat of wins at the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Photo: BVIEC

With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, the CARILEC Rodeo event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in the industry, Dr Neil M. Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, has said. Photo: BVIEC

According to the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), this marks the largest number of teams and participating companies in the history of CARILEC’s premier lineworkers event, making the 2025 Rodeo a truly record-breaking occasion and a proud moment for the Virgin Islands, which is hosting the event for the first time under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”

Confirmed utility companies & businesses

The confirmed utility companies and their countries are: 1. Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (ANGLEC) – Anguilla, 2. Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) – Antigua, 3. Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) – Bahamas, 4. Barbados Light & Power Company (BLPC) – Barbados, 5. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) – Belize, 6. British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) – Virgin Islands (Host), 7. Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC) – Grenada, 8. N.V. Elmar (Electricity Company Aruba N.V.) – Aruba, 9. N.V. GEBE (St. Maarten Electricity Company) – St. Maarten, 10. Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (NEVLEC) – Nevis, 11. St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) – St. Kitts, 12. St Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (LUCELEC) – St Lucia, 13. St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) – St Vincent, and 14. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) – US Virgin Islands (Gold Sponsor).

In addition to these utilities, the symposium and rodeo will welcome eight companies and organisations from the private sector: 1. American Wire Group – United States (Bronze Sponsor), 2. Buckingham Manufacturing – United States (Gold Sponsor), 3. Milwaukee Tool – United States, 4. Prime Fleet Services Dielectric – United States, 5. Safety Exports – United States (Silver Sponsor), 6. Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training – United States (Silver Sponsor), 7. BVI Cable TV – Virgin Islands, and 8. CCT – Virgin Islands.

According to BVIEC, in a press release on April 23, 2025, the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of skill, safety, and regional solidarity.

Each year, lineworkers from across CARILEC’s member utilities showcase their technical expertise, team coordination, and safety knowledge through field demonstrations and competitive challenges. The event also includes capacity-building activities and safety training aligned with CARILEC’s mission to develop a resilient and future ready regional energy workforce.

‘Strength of regional collaboration’

Dr Neil M. Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, shared his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly proud to host this historic edition of the CARILEC Rodeo. With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, this event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in our industry.”

Mr Sheldon Scatliffe, Chairman of the Board at BVIEC, added: “This event highlights the importance of investing in our people and infrastructure. We look forward to a day of spirited competition, knowledge exchange, and community pride as we showcase the best of the Caribbean’s lineworker talent—right here in the Virgin Islands.”

The Rodeo officially kicks off at 8:15 AM on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with a March Pass, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 8:30 AM.

Spectators are encouraged to come out and support their teams, especially Team BVIEC, which is aiming for a historic third consecutive Rodeo win, following victories in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).