The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has successfully concluded the 2026 National Science and Innovation Fair, recognising the creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving abilities of students from schools across the Virgin Islands.

The final day of the fair featured a series of engaging activities ahead of the announcement of the highly anticipated results. The morning began with a drone presentation by Drift from the Cayman Islands, followed by a drone competition that tested students’ technical skills and coordination. The competition was won by the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division, whose team demonstrated strong control and strategy.

Students were also recognised during the Money Matters Piggy Bank Pageant, which highlighted creativity and financial awareness among participants.

The awards ceremony followed, bringing together students, educators and supporters to celebrate the achievements of participants across the Territory.

Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, who announced the results, first acknowledged the efforts of the students and all those who contributed to the success of the event.

“Good morning everyone, this is the moment that we have been waiting for,” Mrs. Crabbe said. “Before I begin, I want us to give a round of applause to all the students and schools who participated in the 2026 National Science Fair. I also want to congratulate the team here at the Ministry who worked hard to make this Science Fair possible.”

She also recognised members of the organising team, including Mrs. Renee Weston-Caines, Mr. Theodore John and Mr. Kayron Todman, for their dedication to coordinating the event.

Among the major awards presented were the Top School Awards, which were awarded to Enis Adams Primary School in the primary division and Cedar International School in the secondary division for achieving the highest cumulative scores.

The Top Student Awards were presented to Kay-Den Percell of Enis Adams Primary School, who achieved the highest score in the primary division, and Alexandre Wilson of Cedar International School, who earned the highest score in the secondary division.

Several projects were also recognised for their innovation and real-world application, including awards such as Most Innovative Project, Judges’ Choice, Best Display, Community Impact, and Rising Star, highlighting students whose work demonstrated exceptional creativity and scientific thinking.

In addition to the main awards, a number of organisations partnered with the Ministry to recognise outstanding student work through special prizes.

Representatives from the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) commended the quality of projects presented and awarded special recognitions to select students. Among these was a “Golden Ticket” award, which provides senior students with the opportunity to participate in a paid internship, while younger recipients will have the opportunity to tour the organisation and shadow professionals.

Additional prizes were presented by Seven Seas, recognising projects that best reflected the fair’s theme “Innovate with Purpose, Create with Care, Solve for Tomorrow.” The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also presented a STEAM in Agriculture and Fisheries Excellence Award, highlighting projects that demonstrated innovative applications of science and technology within the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Education Officer for Science and Physical Education Mrs. Renee Weston-Caines expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event.

“I extend heartfelt thanks to all those who made the Science Fair a resounding success,” Mrs. Weston-Caines said, acknowledging the Minister for education Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Shaire B. de Castro, Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Claude Kettle, Ministry staff, Platinum Sponsors Guana Fund, Seven Seas and Oil Nut Bay, as well as major sponsors Unite BVI and Harneys, whose support helped make the event possible. Judges and the many individuals who worked behind the scenes, as well as the students, teachers and schools who participated.

Mrs. Weston-Caines also noted that the full list of results from the 2026 National Science and Innovation Fair will be available online at www.bvisciencefair.com.

The Ministry commends all participants for their dedication and creativity, noting that the National Science and Innovation Fair continues to provide an important platform for students to explore scientific inquiry, develop innovative ideas and contribute solutions that can positively impact the Virgin Islands.