VI Robotics Team Competes in Panama
The Virgin Islands robotics team has traveled to Panama to compete in the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge with their custom-built robot, Artemis. Marking the Territory's third consecutive year at the global competition, the young innovators will join peers from over 190 countries under the theme Eco-Equilibrium.
The Virgin Islands robotics team has officially departed for Panama to represent the Territory at the prestigious 2025 FIRST Global Challenge. The delegation comprises talented local students Eleazar Brooks, Keyara Smith, Jayron Gibson, Judiah Case, and Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell, who will compete on the international stage with their robot named Artemis.
This year's event marks the Virgin Islands' third consecutive appearance at the global robotics tournament. Since making their initial debut in Singapore in 2023 and following up with a strong performance in Greece in 2024, Team BVI has made steady progress in the international standings.
The team climbed from 143rd place out of 191 nations in their inaugural year to 111th out of 180 teams in 2024. Ahead of the team's departure, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, commended the students for their dedication, innovation, and pursuit of excellence.
She emphasized that robotics education plays a transformative role in nurturing critical thinking, analytical skills, and resilience among the Territory's youth. Minister de Castro noted that incorporating robotics into the national educational framework builds technical proficiency while preparing young Virgin Islanders to address complex real-world challenges.
She added that the skills mastered through these programmes will support local industries, inspire future entrepreneurship, and equip students to design innovative solutions for tomorrow. The team's journey has been supported by contributions from the local business community. Corporate partners Harneys and NAGICO each provided $5,000 in sponsorship funding to help cover travel and competition logistics for the delegation.
The 2025 FIRST Global Challenge brings together youth from more than 190 countries under the theme "Eco-Equilibrium." The competition challenges participants to design and program robotic solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental issues worldwide.
Primary source: VINO