SVG Chess Federation hosts inaugural Chatoyer Bilateral Tournament

St Vincent and the Grenadines were beaten 3-1 by Grenada as the visitors won the inaugural National Lotteries Authority Chatoyer Bilateral Invitational Chess Tournament.

The two days of competition, hosted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chess Federation (SVGCF) took place on Wednesday March, 13, and Thursday March 14, 2024, at the conference room of the Beachcombers Hotel.

The tournament was timed to coincide with National Heroes Day celebrations March 14, hence the inclusion of the name Chatoyer to the event and the trophy.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines team comprised Le’ mar Abbott (captain); Vedant Shetty; Ariana Balcombe; Carlos Veira; Dantes La Primavera; and Aleyana Gilbert. It was managed by Brian Cottle and coached by Chinedu Enemchukwu. The Vincentians gave a good account of themselves, despite their youth and inexperience compared with their opponents.

The Grenada team comprised Renniel Gilbert (captain); Jeremy Henry; Tyler Thomas; Naziyah James; and Tauriel Frank.

Reflecting on the home team’s performance, president Bruce said he viewed the composition of the

Vincentian unit as an investment for the future.

“ They set the future of Chess… That’s the focus…. These are the guys who are going to represent us in 2026, 2028, so it’s preparation for them,” Bruce reasoned.

Looking ahead to the enhancement and broadening of the Chatoyer Tournament, Bruce revealed that contact has been made with the Dominica Chess Federation, with the hope that they will be part of the 2025 edition of the tournament.

“We hope to make this an annual event where we can not only expose local players and spectators to an international standard competition, but give publicity to St Vincent and the Grenadines as a tourist destination.”

The two- day tournament was overseen by International FIDE approved Abiter, Kelvin Daniel of

Barbados. It had Bruce Law Chambers Inc and A&A Electronics as co- sponsors.