Dihanroy Mitchell – From ‘death’ to robotic expertise

“At just three years old, I fell on my elbow shortly after waking up. The impact shattered the bone into five pieces, setting me on a long and painful road. Much of my childhood was spent on hospital wards, enduring pain, surrounded by the cries of other children, and haunted by a repetitive tune that made the atmosphere feel even more depressing,” Dihanroy Mitchell told The Gleaner.

“Doctors eventually removed one of my ribs to replace the shattered bone. I underwent multiple surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy just to regain mobility. One operation nearly cost me my life, but God intervened. I woke up in a hospital corner, covered by a white sheet. Thankfully, the hospital visits became less frequent. I entered what I came to call the “recovery phase”.

Fast forward to the evening of Saturday, May 31. Mitchell’s “recovery phase” was long gone, and Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness gave him his Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence (PMNYAE) in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It is a new award, and the 28-year-old Montego Bay, St James native is one of two recipients.

PRAY AND PUSH

“Throughout primary and high school, I had to be cautious with my right arm. I was mindful of my condition, but others often reminded me of it, too. Still, I never liked being boxed in. I wanted to live fully and seize every opportunity. That mindset gave rise to my personal motto: Pray and push … Despite the physical challenges, I embraced school life wholeheartedly,” he said in retrospect.

The Howard Cook Primary School, Green Pond Primary & Infant School, Green Pond High School and Caribbean Maritime University alumnus has evolved from ‘death’ to being a HEART/NSTA Trust instructor in mobile robotics and mechatronics, and an expert in autonomous mobile robotics at World Skills Jamaica.

He is the holder of a bachelor of engineering degree in industrial systems, an associate of applied Science degree in industrial systems operations and maintenance, and a string of other certifications, including for Level 2 automated mobile robotics, and fundamentals of optoelectronics technology.

Mitchell is buzzed as a TVET champion to which he said, “Being a TVET Champion in Jamaica, especially in the field of mobile robotics and mechatronics, goes beyond teaching technical skills. It’s about leading with purpose, mentoring future competitors, and shaping a workforce ready to meet global standards. It’s a reflection of my commitment to uplifting vocational education not just in the classroom, but throughout communities and industries where skilled professionals are the backbone of innovation.

The awards programme notes refer to him as “a nationally celebrated robotics instructor” and “WorldSkills expert”. “A WorldSkills expert is a qualified professional with proven experience in a specific skill, trade, or technology, representing a member country (such as WorldSkills Jamaica) in international skill competitions. Experts possess formal credentials, hands-on industry experience, and a strong understanding of vocational education standards, assessment practices, and relevant sector requirements,” he explained.

GREATEST HONOUR OF MY LIFE

He represented Jamaica at WorldSkills Kazan, Russia in 2019 at the 45th WorldSkills Competition which was held at the KAZAN EXPO International Exhibition Centre from August 22-27, 2019. He was one of two competitors representing WorldSkills Jamaica in the skill area of mobile robotics. “One of the greatest honours of my life was representing Jamaica at WorldSkills Kazan 2019 in Russia, as one of two competitors in the skill area of mobile robotics,” he revealed.

Last year, Mitchell participated in WorldSkills Lyon, France 2024 at the 47th WorldSkills competition, which took place at Eurexpo Lyon from September 10-15 in the capacity as an expert on mobile robotics. The TVET educator and mentor is also a STEM advocate.

“My role in STEM advocacy involves actively promoting the value of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, industry-relevant education. I strive to inspire and equip learners, especially those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds, with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in fields like robotics, automation, and mechatronics. My advocacy is rooted in the belief that STEM education should be accessible, engaging, and empowering for all, helping to shape a skilled, innovative, and inclusive workforce for the future,” he said. And, how does he feel about getting the PMNYAE?

“It was truly an honour to be nominated and selected for the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence, especially as one of only two recipients in the category of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. This recognition marks the fulfilment of one of my long-standing goals, something I’ve prayed about and worked tirelessly toward. Now, by God’s grace, I can gratefully cross it off my list,” he shared.

Awards and honours?

Before the PMNYAE, the talented and multi-faceted award-winning artist and musician, and sportsman had been recognised for: ‘Outstanding Contribution’ at WorldSkills Lyon, France 2024 (expert in autonomous mobile robotics; creativity and innovation (2024 HEART NSTA); contribution as mobile robotics expert at the WorldSkills Special Edition 2022, in Bordeaux, France; contribution to the WorldSkills Jamaica 2021 National skills competition; and for receiving the ‘Best of Nation’ medal at WorldSkills Kazan 2019.

Future endeavours?

“My future is in God’s hands. ‘I may be the captain of this vessel, but I am not the owner’. Still, I remain committed to deepening my involvement and expanding my contributions to the world of automation. I hope to explore how this evolving field can become more than just a career path, but a way of life for Jamaicans, driving innovation, opportunity, and national development,” Mitchell told The Gleaner.