A team of four students from secondary schools in the Virgin Islands will participate in the annual international Global Robotics Challenge from October 7 to 10 in Singapore.

The team of students namely, Amani Brown, Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell, Jayron Gibson, all of the Elmore Stoutt High School and K’Dyah James, of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies will join teams from around the world in the, ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’ (FIRST) Robotics Challenge. The students will be accompanied by mentors Careen Cuffy-Jules and Andre Roberts. 

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said that the Virgin Islands’ participation in this event presents an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase their talent, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills on an international stage.

Honourable deCastro said, “Participating in the FIRST Global Challenge not only offers a chance to compete but also to learn and grow as individuals and as a team. It is an opportunity to be inspired by experts in the field and to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.”

Minister de Castro added that she is confident that the team will make the Virgin Islands proud.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe said that The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge is an esteemed event that brings together teams from all over the world to address important global challenges through robotics.

Mrs. Crabbe stated that the host organisation, FIRST Global, is a US based not for profit charity with a mission to inspire leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by empowerment through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Mrs. Crabbe said, “It is not just about competition, but also about collaboration and learning from each other.” She added, “With over a hundred and eighty nations participating, it is a testament to the global interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) education and robotics. We know the team will represent our Territory admirably and develop skills needed to tackle challenges with creativity and persistence.”

The team was selected following a robotics workshop held September 1 which was attended by over fifty students. The students were selected for their interest, cooperation, innovation, persistence and analytical skills.

Education Officer for Science Ms. Renee Weston and Education Officer for Information and Computer Technology Ms. Lauren Welch are coordinating the student’s participation in the upcoming event, which will be held under the theme, “Hydrogen Horizons.”

Sponsorship for the team’s participation is being provided by FIRST Global. The Ministry of Education extends congratulates the Virgin Islands’ team on being chosen to participate in the 2023 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Singapore.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports remains committed to providing high-quality educational services and promoting access to sports and recreation to enrich the lives of the residents of the Virgin Islands.