The Virgin Islands will for the first time host the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) 2025 Lineworkers Symposium and Rodeo next weekend.
This historic three-day event will bring 33 skilled utility members together from throughout the Caribbean region to showcase their expertise, technical skills and commitment to safety work practices through daily demonstrations.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to commence on April 25 at the Eileen Parsons Auditorium at Paraquita Bay with remarks from Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Minister of Communication and Works Honourable Kye Rhymer and other officials including General Manager of BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) Dr. Neil Smith.
The opening ceremony will also feature cultural performances by the BVI Heritage Dancers.
A March Pass is slated to be held on Sunday at 8:15 a.m., heading to the field behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, leading into the Marquee Rodeo opening ceremony, at 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Featured speakers will be the Minister for Communication and Works, Chairman and General Manager for BVI Electricity Corporation, and Chief Executive Officer for Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Mr. Karl Knight.
BVI Electricity Corporation’s Senior Team will be represented by Team Leader, Mr. Donaldson Hamet with Edward Pollock, Shaquil Samuel, Toriano King and Lennox Matthew. Additionally, representing the Junior/Apprentice team will be Mr. Lionel Smith and Jio Vonni Croal who secured victories in 2023 in Saint Lucia and 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda.
The symposium will be held under the theme, “Informed. Empowered. Safe.” Ad reinforces the commitment of the Government of the Virgin Islands to partner with regional stakeholders in the development of the quality of the Territory’s infrastructure to meet international standards.