It may be convenient to repeat the words of Mikhail Gorbachev following the G7 summit of 1991: “The ice has started moving… and the icebreaker is on its way toward renewal.”
Ever since the Guyana Chess Association was established in the early 1970s, there was a clear need for a vibrant, unsophisticated and comprehensive schools’ chess programme.
We limped along moderately in that direction, but it was nothing to shout about. Now, however, it seems as if we are getting finally somewhere. Suddenly, the ice breaker is upon us offering hope and renewal.
Last weekend, the accredited World Chess Federation’s arbiter John Lee coordinated a schools’ chess competition at Marian Academy. Seven schools and 82 girls and boys were participants. Upon request, Sunday Stabroek graciously consented to grant additional space for readers to view a sampling of the preeminent players in photographs.
I feel impelled to single out Ethan Lee from Marian Academy and Jaden Taylor from St Stanislaus College. They are both sharp players who understand the openings, middle and end games. In relation to the girls, I believe Chelsea Juma from St Stanislaus is on her way to the Chess Olympiad. And we must not underestimate Samirah Gobin of Al Ghazali Islamic Academy. After watching her play, I asked myself a question: where did she appear from? She is good!
As an aside, the Guyana Chess Federation is planning to have a lavish schools’ chess competition in 2020. It intends to have most of the regions represented.
Meanwhile, the GAICO Grand Prix 3 starts Saturday, November 2. Chess players should compete since there is still a grand opportunity to get on the Guyana Chess Olympiad team.
