CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL ROBOTICS TEAM
We are Team Cayman Islands, a dynamic group of high school innovators and FIRST Tech Challenge competitors representing seven high schools across the Cayman Islands. Our team consists of nine members, aged 14 to 17 years old, who are united by strong teamwork, collaboration and a shared enthusiasm for technology.
The Cayman Islands’ robotics journey began in 2018, when we first competed in the FIRST Global Challenge in Mexico City. Building on that momentum, we launched the FIRST Tech interschool programme in 2019, giving students across all three Cayman Islands the opportunity to explore robotics and STEM. Since then, Team Cayman Islands has proudly represented our nation on the global stage in Dubai, Geneva, Singapore and Athens.
United by a passion for innovation, we aim to inspire the next generation of Cayman’s youth to embrace STEM through outreach and education. The FIRST Global Challenge provides us with an incomparable platform to raise awareness for robotics – and we are determined to make robotics a recognised sport in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands National Robotics Team pictured with Her Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, ahead of the First Global Challenge.
2025 FIRST GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Team Cayman Islands is excited to embrace this year’s theme, ‘Eco Equilibrium’, at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge. As a small island nation surrounded by turquoise waters, our coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting nearly 25% of all marine life. Often called the “rainforests of the sea”, these reefs are vital for maintaining balance in the ocean and sustaining countless species.
This incredible biodiversity is essential to the health and resilience of our marine environment, making sustainable practices critical to their survival. The theme ‘Eco Equilibrium’ is especially relevant to the Cayman Islands because our way of life depends on the well-being of these reefs.
However, rising ocean temperatures driven by global warming post a serious threat, increasing the risk of irreversible damage to marine and coastal ecosystems. For us, healthy reefs mean more than beauty – they provide storm protection, attract divers and snorkellers from around the world and sustain fish populations that support food security.
Through education, awareness and the adoption of innovative technologies for coral conservation and restoration, we can secure the future of our reefs and our islands.
TEAM CAYMAN ISLANDS’ ROBOT
Every nation competing in the FIRST Global Challenge begins with the same foundation: an identical kit of parts. From these standard components, each team must design, build and programme a fully functional robot that showcases creativity, technical expertise and problem-solving ability. Each year, a different challenge takes center stage in an effort to foster understanding and cooperation among the youth of the world as they use their abilities to solve global problems.
Team Cayman Islands has embraced this challenge with determination and innovation. Over the past months, the team has invested countless hours into brainstorming designs, building prototypes, fine-tuning mechanisms and writing code and strategising to bring their vision to life. What began as a box of parts has now become a high-performing robot – a true testament to teamwork, persistence and ingenuity.
This robot represents more than a piece of engineering; it embodies the Cayman Islands’ spirit of resilience, innovation and national pride. Soon, it will join the team on an incredible journey to Panama City, Panama, where they will compete on the global stage at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, proudly carrying the Cayman Islands flag and demonstrating the power of STEM to create a better future.
ROBOTICS TEAM
LOGAN COLLINS
ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Logan Collins has a genuine love for physics, engineering and robotics and is excited about using STEM to make a real difference in the world. He believes the future lies in science and technology and, most importantly, how they are used for the good of all.
Logan is looking forward to honing his skills and challenging himself during the competition, and meeting and working with other young innovators who share his passion. He is especially motivated by this year’s focus on sustainability, which genuinely resonates with his personal values, and believes this experience will be transformative.
“I
BELIEVE STEM IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE.”
ISAAC CONLY
ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Isaac Conly’s interest in STEM developed after he joined his school’s robotics team. Programming quickly became his favourite part, particularly debugging and optimising code to make the robot perform its best while competing. Being part of the robotics team has helped Isaac to think logically, solve problems effectively and work closely with others.
He is most excited about improving his coding skills, learning from other teams and competing globally with his team. Ultimately, Isaac hopes to pursue a career in software engineering while continuing robotics throughout his education.
“I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT HOW MACHINES AND TECHNOLOGY WORK.”
ROBOTICS TEAM
JEAN-MATTHEW DOWNIE TRIPLE C SCHOOL
Despite having reservations of how he would contribute to the Triple C School robotics club, Jean-Matthew Downie quickly found ways to learn and get involved. He has always been fascinated by how systems work, from cells to entire ecosystems, and sees parallels in robotics, where many precise parts work together as one.
Jean-Matthew believes robotics will play a key role in the research of how climate change impacts ecosystems, and the subsequent conservation efforts. He is excited about this year’s theme and the chance to explore how technology can support environmental sustainability.
“ROBOTICS REFLECTS LIFE WITH MULTIPLE FINE PARTS RUNNING TOGETHER TO MAKE ONE UNIT.”
EMILY HANSRAJ
JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL
Emily Hansraj joined the John Gray High School robotics club three years ago and, since then, has competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge and SeaPerch. She has also participated in programmes like VEX IQ, Hackathon and Hackerspace, where she has explored how components like sensors, motors and gears work together to build intelligent systems.
Emily loves anything tech related. She is driven to pursue a career in robotics or engineering and to use technology to create solutions that make a positive difference. She enjoys designing robots, programming and figuring out strategies with her team.
“INNOVATION ISN’T JUST ABOUT BUILDING MACHINES; IT’S ABOUT BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE.”
SEAN HIGGINS
CAYMAN PREP & HIGH SCHOOL
Sean Higgins discovered a love for robotics through an interest in physics, engineering and solving real-world problems. Robotics became the perfect outlet for that curiosity. Sean is excited to see how the different countries design their robots, tackle this year’s challenge theme, learn new strategies and to meet the other talented competitors from around the world.
Looking to the future, Sean dreams of combining his creativity and technical skills – mixing art, computer science and physics – to work in the robotics industry on both design and manufacturing. He aspires to be a CGI art director in the film industry.
“I ASPIRE TO MIX MY ART, COMPUTER AND PHYSICS SKILLS IN THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY.”
JAMIE JOHNSON
CLIFTON HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL
Ecosystems have always fascinated Jamie Johnson, who has always been curious about how human actions can both protect and disrupt the balance of nature. He enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and building LEGO sets and believes that robotics pushes him to grow and think differently.
Jamie returns this year as a student mentor, bringing his wealth of experience in Greece to the team. He describes the event as one of the best experiences of his life. From hands-on building and intense competition to forming meaningful connections with teams from around the world, the experience sparked an enthusiasm for innovation and creativity.
“ROBOTICS DIDN’T JUST CHALLENGE ME; IT CHANGED THE WAY I SEE TECHNOLOGY.”
ROBOTICS TEAM
HALLIE MALCOLM
JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL
Hallie Malcolm thrives on challenges and problem-solving, which she finds rewarding and impactful. She has been a member of the John Gray High School robotics team for two years and specialises in robot building. She believes robotics has shaped her career aspirations and is eager to become a computer engineer.
Hallie is excited about this year’s challenge as it mirrors real-work efforts to address issues like biodiversity loss. She hopes to design a robot that can tackle tasks like rope climbing and launching biodiversity units. She is looking forward to showcasing her team’s work alongside the other competitors.
“I’VE DEVELOPED MY ANALYTICAL SKILLS WHILE HAVING FUN.”
NATHANIEL SHAUGHNESS
CAYMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Nathaniel Shaughness has had a strong interest in STEM and coding from a young age. His love of robotics began three years ago. He is particularly adept in game design and is skilled in Lua and Python, with hopes to become proficient in C#.
As an aspiring civil engineer, Nathaniel has developed a deep appreciation for the thoughtful design, careful planning and many iterations of testing and modifying that are often required to successfully build a robot. He is looking forward to demonstrating his creative ingenuity, technical abilities and innovation on the global stage.
“I PARTICULARLY LOVE THE DESIGNING AND BUILDING ASPECTS OF ROBOTICS.”
DEZIRA TATUM
GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Dezira Tatum views STEM as a pathway to solving global challenges like climate change and healthcare, while developing creativity and critical thinking. This year’s challenge theme resonates deeply with her as it highlights the importance of creating solutions that protect both communities and the environment.
Dezira is excited to bring her technical skills, imagination and team spirit to the competition. She believes that young people can drive meaningful change, inspire hope and advocate for global progress. She hopes to continue to inspire others in STEM and to advocate for positive societal impact through technology.
“I AM PART OF A DEDICATED TEAM EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF STEM.”
TEAM MENTORS
GLENDA MCTAGGART DART
Glenda McTaggart is the senior manager of Education Programmes at Dart and a dedicated advocate for STEM education. She believes robotics teaches students critical skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, perseverance and performing under pressure. Through her guidance, Glenda helps students develop problemsolving abilities, creativity and collaboration skills while fostering a lifelong interest in STEM.
Since inception, Glenda has led the FIRST Tech Challenge Interschool Programme and Cayman’s National Robotics Team. In 2024, she also launched the Cayman Islands Junior Robotics Programme, designed specifically to introduce middle school students to the fundamentals of robotics.
DESMOND WHITE JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL
Desmond White leads design and technology at John Gray High School, Cayman Islands’ largest high school. He serves as a coach and mentor for his students and the Cayman Islands National Robotics Team, guiding them through the process of designing, building and programming competitive robots and preparing them to represent their country on the international stage.
Desmond’s dedication to STEM education and robotics mentorship has inspired countless young innovators over the years.
NAMITHA ABRAHAM
CARIBBEAN UTILITIES COMPANY
Namitha “Nami” Abraham leads complex energy projects as a chartered power systems engineer and the manager of project delivery at Caribbean Utilities Company. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Nami is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and supporting STEM education.
She is as a mentor for the Cayman Islands National Robotics Team and a head judge for the FIRST Tech Challenge interschool. Through her guidance, Nami inspires students to explore careers in engineering, technology and science.
KYLE FARRINGTON
CARIBBEAN UTILITIES COMPANY
Kyle Farrington is an engineer in training at Caribbean Utilities Company, where he oversees a variety of transmission and distribution projects. Kyle serves as a mentor and primary referee for the FIRST Tech Challenge tournament, guiding students through the technical and collaborative aspects of robotics competitions. Recently, he also joined the Cayman Islands National Robotics Team as a mentor for the FIRST Global Challenge.
Kyle’s guidance encourages teamwork, technical skill development and confidence in students as they tackle challenging engineering projects.
TEEJHAN HANSRAJ STUDENT MENTOR
Teejhan Hansraj represented the Cayman Islands as a member of the national team at the 2022 FIRST Global Challenge in Geneva. He is currently pursuing an MEng in mechatronics and robotics engineering at the University of Sheffield.
As a past competitor and mentor, Teejhan offers the team a unique perspective, providing guidance not only in robot design and programming, but also in managing the pressures and nerves of international competition. His mentorship ensures the team gains both technical skills and confidence and that they fully embrace the excitement and learning opportunities the challenge provides.
LITTLECAYMAN
WEST BAY
Seven Mile Beach
Camana Bay
GEORGE TOWN Airport
SOUTH SOUND
BODDEN TOWN
Rum Point
60 miles northeast of Grand Cayman
90 miles northeast of Grand Cayman
NORTH SIDE
EAST END
GRAND CAYMAN
CAYMANBRAC
Starfish Point
NORTH SOUND
CARIBBEAN SEA
ABOUT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory made up of three beautiful islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – in the heart of the Caribbean, just 480 miles southwest of Miami. Grand Cayman, the largest island, is about 22 miles long and is packed with amazing experiences that combine nature, adventure and science!
If you love tech AND the ocean, you’ll feel right at home here. The Cayman Islands is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems, making it the perfect real-world example of innovation meeting nature. Imagine diving alongside coral reefs, swimming with sea turtles and then thinking about how robotics and engineering can help protect these ecosystems! One of the most popular spots is Stingray City, where you can interact with friendly stingrays in shallow waters – like an underwater meetand-greet.
On land, there’s even more to explore. At the Cayman Turtle Centre, you can snorkel with green sea turtles and see unique species up close. Or, visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, home to the endangered Blue Iguana – a conservation success story powered by science and community efforts. This iconic species roams freely in the park as part of an ongoing conservation programme.
The Cayman Islands isn’t just a tropical destination – it’s a living classroom for STEM enthusiasts, where nature, technology and innovation come together. We can’t wait to welcome curious minds like yours to experience our home.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Capital city:
GEORGE TOWN
Size:
102 SQUARE MILES
Total population: (Cayman Islands Government, 2024)
86,251
National flower:
WILD BANANA ORCHID
National tree:
National bird:
GRAND CAYMAN PARROT
Indigenous to Grand Cayman:
BLUE IGUANA
SILVER THATCH PALM
Official language:
ENGLISH
Nationality:
CAYMANIAN
Expatriate population:
Tourists annually: 56% 130+
Nationalities:
Average high:
86.8°F/30.5°C
Average low: 1.5 MILLION+
76.3°F/24.6°C
Official currency:
CAYMAN ISLANDS DOLLAR (CI)
CI$1 = US$1.25
Political status:
BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL ROBOTICS TEAM IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY:
