Seven schools to feature in chess tournament

The Education Ministry’s Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament is set to take place at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, from December 12 to 13, featuring seven schools in the territory competing for the title of Chess Champion.

The seven registered secondary schools in the tournament include 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.

Education Minister Sharie de Castro stressed that the sport of chess contributes to the critical thinking element of a STEAM approach to education.

“At Innovation Week 2023, we saw how the chess portion was a huge success, consistent from the previous year,” de Castro said. “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.”

The Minister said it is anticipated that the excitement of the tournament will be riveting and change the way for reimagining education and also add to the landscape and culture of sports in the territory.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcia Potter also expressed support for the initiative of chess in schools. “We have embraced chess as an invaluable tool in our STEAM approach as all children can benefit from learning the game,” Dr Potter stated.

Acting Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe highlighted that studies have shown that playing chess builds necessary skills needed in the 21st Century.

“Chess fits well with STEAM education because it addresses high-order thinking skills, analyzing, evaluating, and creating,” Crabbe stated. “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.”

Day one of the tournament will begin with participants registering, followed by an opening ceremony at 9 am and the commencement of the initial rounds.

The final day of the competition will see participants checking in at 8:45 am followed by announcements and then the rounds.

The afternoon session will have the semi-finals and finals followed by the closing ceremony and awards presentation.