Five young Virgin Islanders are set to proudly raise the Territory's flag on the global stage as they compete in the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City from October 29 to November 1, 2025. Education Minister Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe journeyed to the airport to see the team off. Photo: GIS

The Virgin Islands' robotics team’s participation at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama has also been strengthened through community and corporate support. Harneys and NAGICO have each contributed $5,000 in sponsorship to assist with travel and competition expenses. Photo: GIS

This year's team comprises Eleazar Brooks, Keyara Smith, Jayron Gibson, Judiah Case, and Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell.

The VI will compete with their robot, Artemis, marking the Virgin Islands' third consecutive year on the international robotics stage.

Since their debut in Singapore in 2023, followed by Greece in 2024, the team has steadily climbed the global rankings, moving from 143rd out of 191 to 111th out of 180 teams worldwide.

'Cultivation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, & innovators'

According to a Government Information Service (GIS) press release, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), extended heartfelt congratulations to the students ahead of their departure.

“As Team BVI proudly represents the Virgin Islands at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama, I extend my highest commendation to our students for their dedication, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Robotics is far more than the assembly of parts or the writing of code. It is the cultivation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who are prepared to design, adapt, and lead.

"By integrating robotics into our national curriculum, we are not only developing technical proficiency but also nurturing the creativity, resilience, and analytical thinking that will empower our young people to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. The skills they are mastering today will resonate throughout their professional journeys — strengthening our industries, inspiring entrepreneurship, and shaping a generation of Virgin Islanders ready to build, programme, and innovate solutions for the future.”

The team’s participation has also been strengthened through community and corporate support. Harneys and NAGICO have each contributed $5,000 in sponsorship to assist with travel and competition expenses.

The 2025 FIRST Global Challenge will bring together teams from more than 190 countries under the theme “Eco-Equilibrium”, challenging students to design innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.