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BVIEC announces 7-man team for 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo

- Event to take place in VI on April 27, 2025
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has announced the official team representing the Virgin Islands at the upcoming 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training taking place in the Virgin Islands (VI) on April 27, 2025. Photo: BVIEC
The 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training, according to BVIEC, promises to be a dynamic and inspiring event. CARILEC/File
The 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training, according to BVIEC, promises to be a dynamic and inspiring event. CARILEC/File
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI— The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has announced the official team representing the Virgin Islands at the upcoming 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training taking place in the Virgin Islands (VI) on April 27, 2025.

This year’s event marks a historic first for the Territory as the VI 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 transmissionof electricity throughout the Caribbean.

BVIEC eying 3-Peat

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.

The best of the best

Dr Neil M. Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, stated in. BVIEC press release: “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 C. 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, according to BVIEC, promises to be a dynamic and inspiring event that strengthens regional cooperation and celebrates the invaluable work of the Caribbean’s electrical lineworkers.

10 Responses to “BVIEC announces 7-man team for 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo”

  • Sponsored by our domestic appliance providers (15/04/2025, 16:37) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    The more outages the more spikes and brownouts, the more dead tv,fridge freezers and air conditioners everyone loves the worst distribution system in the Caribbean!
  • oh well (15/04/2025, 16:55) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    keep the electricity on and stop these frequent outage.
  • one eye (15/04/2025, 18:33) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    They trying their best but the system is outdated
  • A Fellow Employee (15/04/2025, 22:20) Like (45) Dislike (0) Reply
    People, these are the same guys that buss their @ss#s immediately after a storm or hurricane, leaving their families and homes undone, despite the fact that they too, sustained damages. If a pole gets hit right now, they show up and do their best to restore power. Lord, put the negativity aside for once and celebrate this HARDWORKING TEAM that will be representing the British Virgin Islands in this event. Come out and cheer them on for once rather than casting negative remarks in their faces. They do not deserve it ATALL. Go Team! We love you and appreciate you if no one else does. Who know, know.
    • small island (16/04/2025, 11:00) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      My father was a telephone installer/ repairman in the 50's. We know what he did during storms and weather events. Most respect for the skills and dedication of these men. BTW, are there any women now? Just wondering. Thank you for all you do and wishing you success in the rodeo.
      • A Fellow Enployee (18/04/2025, 07:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Unfortunately we have no females on our team, but not sure if there are any females on the participating teams from other islands. It would be nice though.
  • Yes (15/04/2025, 22:44) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go Team B.V.I
  • No one (16/04/2025, 07:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is blaming the linemen, government & management must take the heat for underperformance due to a lack of investment. Make solar systems worth the investment, free to join the grid and pay cash credits to those boosting kWh in an environmentally friendly way . Good luck with the competition gentlemen and thank you for your efforts.
  • Faithful (16/04/2025, 16:45) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply

    Keep ayo @#$&% negative comments to yourselves. These guys are hard working, dedicated men. I can't say the same for some of you.

  • concern (16/04/2025, 17:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Men go out there and represent. Thanks for your service ????


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