One new face on Executive of SVG Chess Federation

Oris Robinson is the lone new face on the new executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chess Federation (SVGCF).

Robinson, a national Chess player, was elected unopposed as a Committee Member when the federation, hosted its first Biennial General Meeting, last Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Xpert Computer Centre Conference Room, Kingstown.

He thus joined the five officers who were part of the outgoing executive.

Returned as President was Israel Bruce, who had to ward off a challenge from Maxine Cottle, but got the nod, 28-14.

However, Bruce’s deputy, Ronnia Durham – Balcombe was returned unopposed, likewise Orisia Robinson, who stays on as the Public Relations Officer.

Meanwhile, Kazene Pierre held on to her position as Secretary/Treasurer. Pierre in the process, received 26 votes to 15 gained by her challenger, Rebecca Izuchukwu.

Preceding the elections, there were lengthy discussions on matters pertaining to operations of the organization, that prompted Bruce to urge that all should work together to build the sport.

“I am going to ask each and every one sitting in this room today, let us work together. I do not, have not, and will not promise you perfection, but what I can do and will promise is to work with the team you have elected and with you as the general members to guide the process forward. The only winner ought to be Chess,” the re-elected President urged.

The Federation stated in a release that the period ahead will see a continuation in their push for ‘Chess In Schools’ (CIS) with a view of hosting national championships among students.

“Equally, women in Chess continues to be a key focus, as we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive space for female players to thrive. Some 13 women and girls have been registered to participate in an international online training for women and girls beginners in chess dubbed ‘the Queens Gambit’”, that began on March, 30,2025 and runs for seven weeks.

The recently added ‘Chess in Prisons’ initiative has also been identified as an area of projected growth.

The Federation stated further that the period ahead will see the introduction of the first ever local Blitz Championship on April 21, 2025, and later, will engage in the a Sub- zonal Championship to be held in Trinidad and Tobago later in April, followed by the CARICOM Chess Championship to take place in Guyana. The Federations Biennial meeting also addressed other issues such as a two-tier subscription payment for persons 10-17 years, and those 18 years and over; and also ratified the non-payment of a subscription for members under 10 years of age. It also decided that the new executive will review a section of the Federation’s constitution regarding proxy voting.