BVIEC SHOCKERS SHINE BRIGHT AT TOASTMASTERS DISTRICT 81 CONFERENCE

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, May 22, 2025 – The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) proudly celebrates the achievements and impactful participation of the BVIEC Shockers Toastmasters Club at the recently concluded Toastmasters District 81 Caribbean Conference, held from May 14–18, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Representing the Corporation with excellence were Melony James, President and Vice President of Education of BVIEC Shockers and Occupational Health and Safety Manager at BVIEC; Sharie-Ann Stapleton, Executive Assistant to the General Manager; and Leslie Allen Jr., Operations Engineer. These three dynamic professionals not only attended the event but also left an indelible mark through active participation and prestigious accolades.

At the conference’s Opening Ceremony, BVIEC Shockers received two major awards:

  • Distinguished Toastmasters Club (2023-2024)
  • Double Goals Achievement Award (2024-2025)

These achievements are a testament to the hard work, commitment, and leadership shown by the club and its members throughout the year.

Stapleton, Past Director for Area 27 (VI and USVI), was further honoured with the Area Director of the Year Award, celebrating her leadership in guiding Area 27 to President’s Distinguished status—the highest honour in the Toastmasters leadership structure.

Stapleton also chaired the Division E Speech Contests and led a forward-thinking Artificial Intelligence Workshop, titled “From Rhythm to Algorithm – Harnessing Data for a Caribbean Renaissance.”

Meanwhile, Melony James chaired a compelling session on “Building a Powerful Brand,” facilitated by renowned speaker Ron Johnson. The BVIEC Shockers’ presence and contributions positioned the Virgin Islands and BVIEC as active voices in professional growth and thought leadership within the Caribbean.

Beyond the conference, James, Stapleton, and Allen toured one of Barbados’ leading power plants, gaining critical insights into regional energy operations, with strong impressions made by the facility’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and cleanliness.

James shared: “Being a part of the conference reminded me how far we’ve come as a club and as individuals. Chairing a workshop on branding was especially fulfilling because it connected our personal growth with how we represent BVIEC professionally.”

Stapleton reflected: “This year’s conference was inspiring on so many levels. Receiving the Area Director of the Year award was humbling, but the greater reward was seeing the collective success of our team and witnessing how seriously our Caribbean partners take energy innovation and safety.”

Allen commented: “It was incredible to network with other Toastmasters across the region and to experience the energy at the conference. The powerplant tour provided insight into improvements in our operations at BVIEC.”

Also representing the Virgin Islands at the conference were two other local clubs: Tortola Toastmasters and the VI Public Service Toastmasters Club. Together, the three clubs are now preparing for a grand Toastmasters Gala in June 2025, under the theme “Royalty in Every Shade.”

BVIEC extends warm congratulations to the BVIEC Shockers and all members who continue to raise the standard of communication, leadership, and professionalism. Your success is our pride.