The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) are they are proud to announce the official team representing the Virgin Islands at the upcoming 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training, taking place on April 27 on home soil in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
This year’s event marks a historic first for the Territory as the BVI plays host to this annual showcase of skill, safety, and regional collaboration among CARILEC’s 33 member utilities. The event highlights the critical role lineworkers play in ensuring the safe and reliable transmission of electricity throughout the Caribbean.
Leading the charge for Team BVIEC is Donaldson Hamlet, a veteran Transmission and Distribution Foreman (Lines & Metering) with three decades of service. Hamlet will serve as Team Leader for the Senior Team, which is aiming to secure a third consecutive victory—a three-peat—after back-to-back wins in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).
The BVIEC Senior Team competing in this year’s Rodeo includes:
• Donaldson Hamlet – Team Leader
• Edward Pollock – Junior Linesman
• Shaquil Samuel – Junior Linesman
• Toriano King – Junior Linesman
• Lennox Matthew – Assistant Linesman
BVIEC will also be represented in the Junior/Apprentice category, underscoring the Corporation’s commitment to developing the next generation of lineworkers.
Competing in the apprentice division are:
• Lionel Smith – Assistant Linesman
• Jio Vonni Croal – Assistant Linesman
This year’s Rodeo follows Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, a day set aside to recognise the courage, dedication, and technical excellence of the men and women who keep the region powered, often under challenging and dangerous conditions.
Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, stated: “We are proud to showcase the talent and dedication of our lineworkers on home soil. Our team represents the very best of what BVIEC and the Virgin Islands have to offer. As we strive for a three-peat, we also celebrate the opportunity to train, grow, and inspire the next generation of energy professionals across the region.”
Melony James, Occupational Health and Safety Manager, added: “Safety and continuous improvement are central to everything we do. This event provides a platform to reinforce those values while building camaraderie and shared purpose among regional teams. We’re honoured to host and even prouder to compete.”
The 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training promises to be a dynamic and inspiring event that strengthens regional cooperation and celebrates the invaluable work of the Caribbean’s electrical lineworkers.
For more information about the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training, please contact the BVI Electricity Corporation at 284-494-3911 or 852-4600.
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) is a regional association of electric utilities and energy sector stakeholders. Through training, events, and mutual aid initiatives, CARILEC promotes excellence and collaboration in the Caribbean energy sector.