The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) emerged victorious, clinching first place in both the junior and senior categories of the 2024 Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), lauded the students' performances, highlighting the transformative potential of chess in education in the Territory at the Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Scenes from the 2024 Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Scenes from the 2024 Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Scenes from the 2024 Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The event, held at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex on December 12 and 13, 2024 brought together seven schools from across the Territory, showcasing an impressive display of strategy, intellect, and sportsmanship.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), lauded the students' performances, highlighting the transformative potential of chess in education in the Territory.

“What we saw today speaks volumes to the impact of integrating chess into our schools. From the youngest to the eldest participants, this tournament has not only been about competition but about learning skills that are transferable to real life, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation,” the minister affirmed.

She also praised the partnership between the Ministry of Education and Unite BVI which has facilitated the distribution of 238 chess kits across public and private schools, enhancing access to the sport.

This initiative, she said “is a testament to our commitment to reimagining education and equipping students with tools for lifelong success”.

Winners

The two-day tournament featured teams from seven schools, including the Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.

The top students are listed below.

Primary School Category:

• 1st Place: John Samuel (BVI Chess Federation)
• 2nd Place: Timoy Scatliff (BVI Chess Federation)
• 3rd Place: Zivon Abraham (Enos Adams Primary School) 

Junior Secondary Category:

• 1st Place: Dimitri Fung-Fuk (ESHS), undefeated throughout the tournament.
•  2nd Place: Ryson Adams (ESHS)
•  3rd Place: Shane Ann Chin (Bregado Flax Educational Centre)

 Senior Secondary Category:

• 1st Place: Shamoy Joseph (ESHS) 
• 2nd Place: Jordan Hines (ESHS)
• 3rd Place: Rayante Edwards (St. George’s Secondary School 

Meanwhile in the team events, Elmore Stoutt High School dominated and secured the top spots in both the Junior and Senior divisions. Bregado Flax Educational Centre and St. George’s Secondary School earned second place in their respective categories, while Cedar International School placed third in the senior division.

Growth of Chess

Hon. de Castro, addressing the gathering before the finals, expressed her pride in the tournament's growth. “This is our second year hosting the chess tournament, and it’s significantly bigger than last year. We’ve integrated chess into the curriculum as part of our STEAM innovations, which include tech, coding, and programming,” she said.

The minister also emphasized the potential for students to excel on the global stage, citing recent international representation in Budapest. “Chess opens doors for travel, opportunities, and academic advancement. I believe our students will become champions who represent the Virgin Islands worldwide,” she added.

Mr Simon Potter of the BVI Chess Federation commended the support of the Ministry and Unite BVI. “Chess is a great game for the mind, and it’s heartwarming to see such enthusiasm from the schools. Let’s continue to push chess in the BVI,” he urged.