Seven Schools Set to Compete in the Inter-School Chess Tournament Showdown

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports is all set to host the Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament, a battle of wits scheduled from December 12 to 13.

Seven schools, including Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, will engage in an intense competition for the coveted title of Chess Champion at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, highlighted the significance of chess in fostering critical thinking within a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education approach. She expressed enthusiasm, stating, “At Innovation Week 2023, we saw how the chess portion was a huge success, consistent from the previous year.

This year, the young men, specifically the seniors from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS), did not want to leave the chess station. From this, we anticipate the excitement of the Inter-Secondary School Tournament to be riveting and change the way, not only in reimagining education but also by adding to the landscape and culture of sports in the Territory.”

Dr. Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, voiced support for integrating chess into school curricula, emphasizing its value as a tool in the S.T.E.A.M. educational approach. She stated, “We have embraced chess as an invaluable tool in our S.T.E.A.M. approach as all children can benefit from learning the game.”

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe highlighted the 21st-century skills that playing chess builds. She explained, “Chess fits well with S.T.E.A.M. education because it addresses high order thinking skills, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.” Mrs. Crabbe added, “Chess allows children to focus, plan, think ahead, and even visualize moves in a structured and logical manner, as they must learn to adapt quickly after receiving an unexpected move, making them flexible and creative.”

The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, December 12, with participants registering and an opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. The initial rounds will follow. Day two, on Wednesday, December 13, will feature check-ins at 8:45 a.m., announcements, and subsequent rounds. The afternoon session will include the semi-finals and finals, culminating in the closing ceremony and awards presentation.

The public is invited to witness and support the schools and their players.

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