KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local and overseas draught federations are still in mourning following the sudden death of popular policeman and draughts player Constable Wayne ‘Hardwayne’ Whyte recently.

Whyte, a former teacher who decided to give up the classroom and join the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), died at his home in Westmoreland. Tributes continue to pour in for Whyte, whose contribution to the game locally was immeasurable.

Whyte’s friend and fellow JCF member, Deputy Superintendent Jermaine Delattibudiere, said his passing was a heartbreaking loss for him and the entire draughts community.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I’ll never again have the pleasure of discussing the game we both loved so much with Hardwayne,” shared DSP Delattibudiere, who is the president of the Ocho Rios Draughts Club and an Executive Member of the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA).

“His passing leaves a void in our draughts community that can never be filled. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us to cherish the time we have with each other,” the DSP added.

Sudian Suckram, president of the JDA, said, “This really touched me…real shock…life is promised to no man. Today you here tomorrow you not.”

Hugh Hamilton, former president of the JDA, stated that Whyte’s passing was really sad news and a tremendous loss to the draughts community.

“We have lost a brother, a great friend, competitor and advocate. I have not properly processed this as yet, so I don’t really have the words to speak. RIP my brother,” he noted.

Christopher ‘Iceman’ Wright, a member of Montego Bay Draughts Club, said, “We have lost an icon amongst us. A teacher, a committed exemplary warrior, a motivator, an intellect and a genuine, straight friend. I have lost one of my closest draught brother, and words cannot express my sorrow, but I am forced to take comfort in accepting he has gone to a better place.”

International Master, Courtney ‘Carlos’ Thompson added, “Really sad am in shock tears condolences to my friend and brother.”

Albert Harrison, president of the American Pool Checkers Association (APCA), expressed, “On behalf of the American Pool Checkers Community, I send condolences to Wayne’s loved ones, his police family and the JDA.”

World-renowned draughts coach Top Master Jake Katcher, recalled, “Wayne was one of my first students. At the time, he wore dreadlocks, which he later shaved.”

Katcher was a Russian player who moved to America and competed in American Pool Checkers. He is the number 1 International Draughts Teacher for Africa. He has also taught several Jamaicans and assisted them in bringing their game to a higher level.

Whyte was a draughts enthusiast prior to policing and for several years, had been instrumental in modernising Jamaica’s draughts scene, aligning it with international standards. His unparalleled expertise earned him the coveted titles of Top Master, Draughts Teacher, and Draughts Champion of Westmoreland.

Whyte’s leadership as president of the Westmoreland Draughts Club and former vice president of the JDA inspired a new generation of players. He was instrumental in conducting draughts research, analysing games, identifying draughts books and best available draughts computer programs/software, and sharing them with the wider draughts community for the game’s development.

He was the Jamaican player with the best record of win-to-loss ratio in tournaments against multiple national champions. Whyte was also among the Top Masters from around the world who were invited to travel to Chicago on July 28, 2024, to participate in the APCA Championships.