Team Barbados has been traveling to the FIRST Global robotics Challenge since 2017 and comprises a new cohort of students each year. The team is mentored by Mr Matthew Douglas, an Electronics and Electrical Technology Teacher with over 20 years experience. In addition to teaching at the secondary level, Mr. Douglas continually seeks to elevate robotics in Barbados by providing a forum for innovative robotics education through camps and extra lessons for students of all ages. One of his top students and former team member, Tyrese Boyce functions as the Assistant Mentor for the team. Tyrese is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Electronics.

This year, Team Barbados features diversity in age, gender and interests, with students who are all excited to experience their first international robotics challenge whilst engaging in active citizenship as ambassadors of their Caribbean island home.

Team Members:

ALEX (16): From a young age, Alex enjoyed drawing, creating and inventing things. His passion was fuelled by science kits given to him by his uncle and he has attended two robotics summer camps. Alex loves anime which gives him ideas for his creations; animating and gaming technology; creating and playing games; and inventing his own robots. He aspires to use his inventions for entertainment and industry. Alex is extremely happy and honoured to be part of the robotics team representing his country.

KULSOOM (18): The rise and demand in technology as well as the building of components drew Kulsoom to robotics. In her view, robotics is a way to feed the brain and show what you are capable of. She also sees it as a technique that can be implemented to make our lives easier. Kulsoom’s goal is to encourage children around the world to create a bright future and she holds FIRST Global in high regard for taking her one step closer.

JOVANI (16): Since attending a robotics camp in 2018, Jovani has been interested in robotics and continued to learn and develop his skills through personal projects and online university courses. He believes that teamwork is essential to effectively solve global issues and sees robots as teammates. Jovani has always believed that every system, economy or society could be optimized through technology and perceives a need for people with the patience, motivation and love for realising the dreams all of us had as toddlers. According to Jovani, robotics is his way of placing down just one more stepping stone, that future generations could use to reach the ‘tech utopia’. His hobbies include cooking, table tennis and developing new skills but none supersedes his love for robotics.

SHAILEAH (12): Building and engineering are two areas which Shaileah enjoys and she is very interested in electronics and robotics technology. Shaileah also loves ice-cream and taking care of her bunny.

SHAMAR (17): Team Captain Shamar was introduced to robotics via the Sixth Form electronics programme at his school. He likes electronics and robotics because according to him, the satisfaction that comes after completing projects is unlike any other. Shamar has always wanted to pursue a career in electronics and believes that developing his skills in robotics is a magnificent next step to ultimately becoming an engineer.

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