JDA partners with police to promote unity using draughts
ST MARY, Jamaica — Deputy Superintendent of Police Jermaine Delattibudiere cemented his dominance in the game of pool checkers after winning the Top Masters Division at the St Mary Police Zone 3 Partnership Fiesta’s Pool Checkers Tournament.
The tournament, staged as part of the Fiesta, forms a central feature of the community partnership initiative spearheaded by Superintendent Anthony Wallace, commanding officer for the St Mary Division. The event was designed to strengthen ties between the police and residents under the banner “Make St Mary Great”.
The competition attracted accomplished players from across the island, representing a wide range of professions and institutions, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defence Force, Correctional Services, teaching community, banking, security companies, and the hospitality sector.
Delattibudiere, who had placed third in last year’s staging, emerged victorious in the top tier ahead of bank adjudicator Oraine Thompson, who finished second, and Kevon Fullerton, who placed third. In the masters division, Wayne Mullings secured the title, with Rondane Brown and Carl Simpson placing second and third, respectively.
Ahead of the competitive rounds, participants, including schoolchildren, engaged in fun play featuring Jamaican-style draughts, pool checkers, and chess, fostering fellowship and mentorship across age groups.
Delattibudiere, who also serves as president of the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA), emphasised the significance of the partnership with the police in promoting both the game and community unity.
“We used the Fiesta to introduce novices to pool checkers, impart new tactical moves with young players and propagate the game’s development,” he said.
The JDA is now turning its attention to one of the country’s biggest tournaments outside the nationals, a major pool checkers championship scheduled for October 19, 2025, at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, St James.
Members of the Jamaica Defence Force play pool checkers with children from the community.
