All-Girls Robotics Team Presents HAWK to Prime Minister and Cabinet

Antigua and Barbuda’s first all-girls robotics team took its robot, HAWK, to Cabinet on Wednesday, ahead of an international competition that will bring together students from more than 190 countries.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Daryll Matthew introduced the five students to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet, highlighting their work as they prepare to represent the country at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge.

Browne described the students as the “crème de la crème” and encouraged them to bring home the title.

The team comprises Hannah Masson, Audella-Mae James, Gyanna Ryan, Sidea Ambrose and Neola Noronha, who were selected through the TechByte summer STEM camp. Lead mentor Elijah James and mentor Asanti Bacchus are guiding their preparations.

The competition takes place in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from October 7 to 10 under the theme “Igniting Innovation.” Teams will use robots to complete simulated tasks involving wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery, while collaborating with competitors from other countries.

The Board of Education, which falls under Matthew’s portfolio, has contributed EC$30,000 towards the team’s participation.

Wednesday’s presentation gave the students an opportunity to showcase HAWK and receive encouragement at the highest level of government before heading to the international event.