Emmanuel Jeffers Appointed OECSRA Events Director

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association (OECSRA) has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Jeffers as its Events Director, signaling a significant step towards bolstering competitive robotics within the region. Jeffers, a seasoned veteran of FIRST Robotics and the FIRST Tech Challenge, brings extensive experience in international robotics competitions, event management, and team coordination, making him ideally suited to lead the OECSRA’s ambitious plans for regional robotics development. His primary responsibility will be overseeing the planning and execution of the annual OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge, including the upcoming 2026 competition scheduled for March. This appointment aims to professionalize and elevate OECSRA events to international standards, fostering regional collaboration and showcasing Caribbean innovation on a global platform.

Jeffers’ appointment is viewed as a strategic move to significantly enhance the OECSRA’s capacity to deliver high-quality robotics competitions. His expertise will be instrumental in streamlining event logistics, ensuring smooth operations, and creating a competitive environment that encourages learning and innovation. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge, from initial planning and team registration to competition logistics and post-event analysis. This comprehensive oversight will contribute to the professionalization of the event, ensuring it adheres to best practices in robotics competitions globally. Furthermore, his experience will play a crucial role in attracting international attention to the OECS robotics scene, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with other leading robotics communities worldwide.

The OECSRA’s overarching goal is to expand access to robotics education and competition throughout the Eastern Caribbean. By providing a platform for young people to engage in hands-on, challenging robotics projects, the organization seeks to cultivate a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Jeffers’ leadership will be vital in realizing this vision. He is expected to develop strategies to reach underserved communities, promote robotics education in schools, and provide mentorship and training opportunities for aspiring roboticists. His efforts will not only increase participation in robotics competitions but also contribute to a broader STEM education ecosystem that empowers young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Dr. Ricardo R. Neil, Founder and Chairman of OECSRA, emphasized the significance of Jeffers’ appointment, highlighting his proven track record in competitive robotics and his commitment to fostering youth development through STEM education. Jeffers’ experience aligns perfectly with OECSRA’s vision of creating world-class robotics events that inspire and empower young Caribbean minds. He is expected to infuse the OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge with new energy and innovation, raising the bar for competitive robotics in the region and inspiring more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Under Jeffers’ direction, the OECSRA anticipates a significant elevation in the quality and impact of its robotics competitions. His expertise will be instrumental in enhancing various aspects of the event, including technical infrastructure, judging criteria, and educational outreach programs. He is also expected to foster a culture of collaboration and mentorship among participating teams, creating a supportive environment where students can learn from each other and develop their robotics skills. By strengthening the competition framework and creating a more engaging and educational experience for participants, Jeffers aims to establish the OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge as a premier robotics event in the Caribbean, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of innovation.

The appointment of Emmanuel Jeffers as Events Director marks a pivotal moment for the OECSRA and the future of robotics in the Eastern Caribbean. His expertise and leadership are expected to catalyze the growth of the robotics community, elevate the quality of competitions, and inspire a new generation of young innovators to embrace STEM fields. With Jeffers at the helm, the OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge is poised to become a flagship event, showcasing the talent and potential of Caribbean youth on the international stage, and contributing to the region’s economic and technological advancement. He is tasked with transforming the competition into a vibrant hub of innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving the development of a robust robotics ecosystem throughout the Eastern Caribbean. His success will be measured not only by the success of the annual competition but also by the long-term impact on STEM education and innovation within the region.