GCF honours national chess champions

The country’s leading junior and senior chess players were recently honoured for outstanding performances at the just-concluded National Chess Championships.

New Junior Champion Anthony Drayton, of Georgetown and three-time Senior Champion Taffin Khan, of West Demerara, who led in their respective categories, were among the 16 players awarded for their efforts in this year’s competition, at a presentation ceremony hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at Olympic House, Kingston.

The GCF also honoured past-president Errol Tiwari for distinguished service in the promotion of chess in Guyana.

The junior and senior players recently honoured by the Guyana Chess Federation

Shiv Nandalall, acting GCF president highlighted Tiwari’s role in the resuscitation of the sport.  “Mr. Tiwari was known for his popular weekly column, which was stimulating and provoked interest for the reading public,” Nandalall said.
“His stewardship was critical when the revival of chess began,” he added.

Nandalall also extended the GCF’s gratitude to the management and staff of the Ocean Spray Hotel for its hospitality and provision of its facilities free of charge to the Federation. The hotel has facilitated the GCF’s annual championships over the past five years and other small competitions.
“While we live in a world where almost nothing is free, Ocean Spray Hotel has graciously accommodated the playing of chess without hindrance and I want to sincerely thank Managing Director Mr. Shameer Mohamed and staff for this great gesture,” Nandalall declared.

During the ceremony, Vishnu Rampersaud, Secretary of the GCF, thanked sponsors for their role in ensuring chess remained alive during the past year and he hoped for their continued support.

Some of the sponsors were Apex Insurance Brokers, Trophy Stall, DDL Topco Juices, Malta Supreme, Caribbean Container Inc, Sasha Cells, The Red Cherry Café, Uniparts Auto Spares, Kei-Shar’s, King’s Jewellery World, Dr Chase’s Products, Roraima Airways, Lucky Dollar, GT&T and Liat Airline.