The 2026 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo officially got underway on Sunday in Dominica, with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) stepping into the competition as the reigning title holder gunning for back-to-back victory. This annual regional gathering serves as more than just a contest — it brings together skilled electricity lineworker crews from every corner of the Caribbean to exchange knowledge, sharpen their technical abilities through collaborative training, and test their skills against the best in the region. Competitors are put through their paces with real-world linework challenges that replicate the high-stress scenarios lineworkers face every day on the job. Judges will score each team across three critical categories: strict adherence to industry safety protocols, ability to complete tasks efficiently, and the precision of their work under pressure. In the lead-up to the official start of the rodeo, all participating squads spent days fine-tuning their techniques and preparing for the intense competition ahead. CARILEC officials have framed the event as a dynamic, high-energy celebration of the exceptional technical skill and professionalism that defines Caribbean linework. All eyes are now fixed on APUA’s team from Antigua and Barbuda, as the defending champions aim to hold off challengers from across the region and keep their coveted title on home soil. This coverage features original video footage from EmoNews.