The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) are the Inter-Secondary Division Chess Tournament 2024 winners in both junior and senior divisions.
Shamoy Joseph placed first, Jordan Hinds placed second, while Rayante Edwards from St. Georges’ Secondary School placed third in the Senior Secondary Division.
In the junior division, the top three students are Dimitri Fungfook of ESHS who placed first, and remained undefeated throughout the tournament, Royson Adams of ESHS placed second, while Ms. Shane-Ann Chin from the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary School (BFEC) was awarded third place.
Students from Enis Adams, the Imagination Academy, and the BVI Chess Federation participated in the primary division. John Jamuel of the BVI Chess Federation placed first, T'Moi Scatliffe placed second while Zivon Abraham placed third.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro stated that she was very proud of the success of the Chess Tournament and thanked everyone that contributed to making it possible.
Honourable de Castro also announced that through the partnership with Unite BVI and the ministry, a total of two hundred and thirty-eight (238) Chess Kits were furnished to all primary and secondary public and private schools in the Territory.
Honourable de Castro said, “I want take this opportunity to acknowledge the partnership of the Ministry of Education with Unite BVI. We went to Unite BVI and sold them this amazing plan of what it means to reimagine education and to move Virgin Islands education full STEAM ahead, and they have supported and partnered with us tremendously.”
Coordinator of the Chess Tournament and Education Officer Mrs. Renee Weston-Caines thanked Education Minister Honourable Sharie de Castro for endorsing the vision and making the entire event possible. “Special thanks are due to the Chess Federation for their steadfast support in fostering a culture of intelligence and strategic thinking within our community,” Mrs. Weston-Caines added.
Tournament Judge, Mr. Simon Potter urged persons to keep supporting and advancing Chess in the Territory and stated that he was glad to see the turnout of the schools and the Ministry of Education.
“It really makes my heart feel good to see that Chess is going somewhere. We are going to ask that each one tell one, and let’s push Chess throughout the BVI and in the schools. Chess is a great game for your mind.” Mr. Potter said.
The Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament was categorised by juniors and seniors. In the junior division, ESHS placed first, BFEC second, and St. Georges was awarded third place. Second place for the senior students was the ESHS while St. Georges placed third. In the senior division, ESHS placed first, St. Georges placed second, while Cedar International School placed third.