THE next generation of Jamaican chess talent was on full display in Olympic Gardens on Saturday as more than 120 children gathered for the West Central St Andrew Chess Fun Day 2026, hosted by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness who is the Member of Parliament for the area.

The oversubscribed event, held at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School, brought together beginners and advanced young players from across the constituency for a full day of coaching, competitive matches and youth engagement.

The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to expose children in the constituency to constructive activities that build discipline, focus, critical thinking and confidence.

Throughout the day participants were guided by coaches who introduced beginners to the fundamentals of the game while more advanced players were challenged through structured matches.

Children learned how the pieces move, how to protect the king, how to think before making a move, and how to plan ahead. For those already familiar with the sport, the event provided an opportunity to sharpen their skills and compete in a supportive environment.

Competitive matches were held in both beginner and advanced categories, with Most Valuable Player (MVP) medals presented to the top five performers in each group.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (centre, back row) shares a photo opportunity with participants in the St Andrew West Central Chess Fun Day, hosted at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School on Saturday. At the prime minister’s immediate left is Jamaica Chess Federation President Ian Wilkinson. (Photo: JIS)

Eight-year-old Je’Nasiya Mais, a resident of St Andrew West Central and a student of Morris Knibb Preparatory School, was named Chess Champion of the Day.

Mais, who is also the 2025 Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Champion, was presented with a trophy, medal, and tablet by Holness.

Eleven-year-old Tradail Boodie was named first runner-up and was also presented with a trophy and medal for his outstanding performance.

A highlight of the day was Dr Holness’s participation in two friendly blitz matches. The prime minister first played against Chess Champion of the Day Je’Nasiya Mais, and later against young chess player Jaden Shaw, drawing the attention of the children who gathered to watch the friendly contests.

Addressing the participants, Holness encouraged them to continue learning chess and to take the sport seriously, noting that it is recognised internationally and provides benefits beyond competition.

The prime minister shared that he has played chess since high school and has benefited from the game.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (right) seems to be in trouble as he contemplates his next move in a matchup with National Junior Absolute Chess Champion FIDE Master Jaden Shaw, during the St. Andrew West Central Chess Fun Day on Saturday. (Photo: JIS)

He said chess helps to develop patience, discipline, concentration, decision-making, strategic thinking, and the ability to plan several moves ahead.

Holness also told the children that every move in chess has consequences, making the sport an important tool for teaching responsibility, preparation, and calm thinking under pressure.

He said Jamaica has the talent to produce more outstanding chess players and future grandmasters, especially as more children are exposed to the sport through structured programmes.

According to Holness, his Administration has been supporting the development of chess nationally.

He pointed to the Government of Jamaica’s partnership with the Jamaica Chess Federation through the major sports initiative commonly known as the GM-in-10 Programme, which is backed by a $40-million investment from the Sports Development Foundation.

Organisers and participants described the West Central St Andrew Chess Fun Day as a successful community initiative that combined learning, sport and youth development, while encouraging more children in the constituency to take up chess.