KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s top draughts representatives will arrive in Memphis, USA, this weekend as the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) sends a three‑member delegation to contest the 57th Annual American Pool Checkers Association (APCA) Tournament, set for July 13–19, 2026.

Jamaica enters the championship with a chance to strengthen its standing in the international draughts community. Leading the charge is International Grandmaster (IGM) Wayne “Shine” Reid, who is pursuing a historic milestone.

Reid, Jamaica’s first and only draughts grandmaster, earned his international title in February 2018 after winning the classic section of Russian Shashki at the inaugural Pan‑American Draughts‑64 Championships in Montego Bay. His reputation grew further in 2025 when he captured the APCA Top Masters Championship, defeating what analysts described as the strongest field assembled in decades.

Ukraine’s IM Vadym Lapin finished second in that event, followed by compatriot Andriy “Andre” Shcherbatyuk in third and American legend GM Alfred “East Point” Barnett, a 17‑time APCA champion, in fourth.

A third APCA title in Memphis would earn Reid the formal designation of American Pool Checkers Grandmaster, placing him among a select group of players who hold both international and American grandmaster credentials.

Joining Reid is Deputy Superintendent Jermaine Delattibudiere, a three‑time sixth‑place finisher at APCA from 2023 to 2025. He arrives with renewed momentum after winning the Top Masters Division of the 2026 Jamaican Draughts‑64 Community Outreach Championships.

Last month, Delattibudiere, who also serves as JDA president, was elected general secretary of the Pan‑American Draughts and Checkers Confederation (PAMDCC), becoming the first Jamaican to hold a post on the organisation’s Administrative Board.

His election comes as the JDA deepens its alignment with the World Draughts Federation (FMJD), the global governing body for draughts. Under his leadership, Jamaica has secured provisional FMJD membership for the first time, with full membership anticipated by the end of 2026. The milestone is expected to grant Jamaican players access to official world ratings, title norms and expanded international competition, including the upcoming International Checkers Association of North America/USA 10×10 US Open Championships in Huntington, New York.

The third member of the delegation, Mickoyan Robinson, JP, represents the foundation of the JDA’s community development work. As first vice president of the JDA and president of the Montego Bay Warriors Draughts Club, Robinson has been instrumental in expanding Jamaica’s club infrastructure and growing the “Settle All Arguments” Pool Checkers Open Championship in St James.

What began as small exhibitions has evolved into one of Jamaica’s largest annual tournaments, supported by a calendar of club and parish matches that build competitive readiness and broaden public engagement. This grassroots structure has helped reintroduce draughts into communities across the island while creating a pathway from community play to national representation.

“Wayne brings championship pedigree and global experience; Jermaine brings visionary leadership and competitive intensity; and Mikoyan brings organisational continuity and community resonance,” Delattibudiere said. “Together, they constitute Jamaica’s most complete presentation on the international stage.”

The competitive field in Memphis further elevates the stakes. Among the leading international entrants is IGM Crispin “GOJ” Odhiambo of Kenya, East Africa’s top player and currently ranked fifth in the world. GOJ is expected to travel directly from Texas following a fully sponsored two‑week exhibition tour hosted by the City of Vidor. He will compete alongside Steve Owino of the University of Nairobi.

The presence of a player of GOJ’s calibre adds another global dimension to APCA 2026.

“With GOJ in the field, this is Kenya versus Jamaica, Africa versus the Americas. It requires our absolute best,” Delattibudiere said.

Beyond the pursuit of titles, the JDA views its participation as part of a broader developmental mission. The association promotes draughts not only as a sport but as an educational and social tool that strengthens concentration, strategic foresight, decision‑making under pressure, and emotional discipline — skills that support academic performance, youth development and community safety.

To advance this work, Delattibudiere announced the upcoming launch of the “Boards & Beyond” fundraising drive, inviting corporate Jamaica and the diaspora to invest in the sport’s continued growth. The initiative aims to fully resource the New York delegation, expand scholastic programmes and support Jamaica’s bid to host the first International 10×10 Draughts‑100 Championships in 2028.

He noted that Jamaica currently fields several strong players and hopes to send larger teams to APCA and future FMJD events. However, limited sponsorship continues to restrict participation and expansion. The association is therefore encouraging reputable corporate partners to help showcase Jamaica’s excellence in mind sports on the international stage.

“We have moved from survival to revival,” Delattibudiere said. “With this trio, and with the world’s elite now competing directly against us, we are building the structure for sustained growth and lasting international recognition of Jamaican draughts.”