Chess in the City Draws More Than 150 Young Jamaicans as Holness Eyes Expansion

Inaugural youth chess competition at Jamaica College is set to become an annual event, with plans being explored for Chess in the West and Chess in the Park.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 150 young people took part in the inaugural Chess in the City competition at Jamaica College on October 3, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as organizers look to turn the tournament into an annual event and expand the initiative beyond Kingston.

Held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, the competition brought young chess players together across several levels following a school tour that promoted the event directly to students. In social media posts ahead of the tournament, Holness identified Juici Patties and the Social Development Commission (SDC) as title sponsors.

Taking Chess Into Schools

The Chess in the City School Tour visited schools including St. Jago High School, Denham Town High School, The Queen’s School and St. Catherine High School in the days leading up to the competition.

Students were encouraged to compete, represent their schools and learn more about the prizes and tournament. Although the inaugural competition was staged in the Corporate Area, Holness said during the school-tour campaign that students from schools across Jamaica were welcome to participate.

Building Skills Beyond the Board

Holness has framed the initiative as more than a competitive sporting event, repeatedly connecting chess with skills he says can help young Jamaicans in other areas of their lives.

“Chess helps to develop critical thinking, discipline, patience and the ability to make sound decisions,” Holness said in a post after the tournament. “These are skills that can shape how our young people approach challenges, plan ahead and make good choices throughout life.”

In a follow-up statement, Holness said chess teaches players to think before making a move, recognize that actions have consequences, plan ahead and exercise patience. He also linked the game with honesty, discipline and integrity.

“I want our young people to have more opportunities to take part in competitive activities, develop their skills and build character,” he said.

Chess in the West and Chess in the Park

The inaugural tournament could be the beginning of a wider programme. Holness said Chess in the City will become an annual event and that organizers are looking at taking the competition to Montego Bay next year under the banner Chess in the West.

He also said Chess in the Park is being explored as another way of expanding access to the game.

Jamaica’s Grandmaster Legacy

The push comes as Jamaica already has an established programme aimed at developing elite chess talent. The Jamaica Chess Federation’s Grandmaster in 10 Years programme was established with the goal of producing Jamaican grandmasters through workshops, ongoing coaching and opportunities to compete in local and international tournaments.

The Government previously provided a J$40-million grant through the Sports Development Foundation to support that programme, according to the Jamaica Information Service.

A central figure in Jamaica’s chess history is Maurice Ashley, who was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, and moved to the United States at age 12. Ashley became the first Black chess grandmaster in 1999, according to the United States Chess Federation.

“Jamaica has already produced a chess grandmaster in Maurice Ashley, and I believe we have the talent to produce another one right here at home,” Holness said.

With the first Chess in the City completed and plans for expansion already being discussed, the initiative is being positioned as both a competitive outlet for young Jamaicans and a vehicle for developing strategic thinking, discipline and character.

Jamaica Today is Vision Newspaper – The Caribbean Update‘s ongoing coverage of national development, governance, education, youth development and public affairs across Jamaica.

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