– U-16 CARICOM Junior event to run concurrently

THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will once again host the prestigious CARICOM Classic Team Chess Tournament from June 30th to July 7th, 2025, at its official venue, the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.

An Open competition for junior players under 16 will run alongside the main event, creating an invaluable opportunity for more young chess enthusiasts to gain international competitive experience.

The CARICOM Classic, a collaboration between the Guyana Chess Federation and the CARICOM Secretariat, invites chess players from CARICOM nations, along with top local chess players, to compete in a nine-round Classical Swiss format of the game, each team vying for a chance to place in the top three positions.

The U-16 chess competition promises to have a host of young Guyanese players who will get a chance to shine and compete among other players their age.

The GCF in its aim to promote chess in Guyana and the Caribbean region, hosted the first instalment of the CARICOM Classic Chess tournament in 2024 to coincide with CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, attracting participants from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands.

The Trinidad and Tobago team took home the first-place trophy, while Guyana came second and Barbados placed third. That successful tournament paved the way for our CARICOM brothers and sisters to compete among themselves and provided an opportunity to foster and solidify stronger friendships among the Caribbean nations.

The Federation’s goal is to establish the CARICOM Classic as a biennial event, strategically held in the years between Chess Olympiads. This year, the GCF has chosen to host the competition (the next CARICOM tournament is earmarked for 2027) as the next Chess Olympiad is scheduled for 2026.

The participating teams will enjoy a week-long stay at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The tournament itself will take place in the Exhibition Centre of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, a venue renowned for its modern amenities and exquisite design, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for all competitors.

Mr. Brandon Badal, Managing Director, commented that the CARICOM Chess Tournament is a remarkable initiative that not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also strengthens regional unity through the game of chess.

He stated that the Pegasus Hotel is proud to sponsor the Guyana Chess Federation in hosting this important event at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, and commended the federation’s efforts in promoting chess as a tool for education, strategic thinking, and youth development across the Caribbean.

The GCF expresses profound thanks to the Pegasus Hotel Guyana for generously providing its exceptional venue for both tournaments.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) extends its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support and invaluable sponsorship of the CARICOM Classic tournament.

Thank you to APAN Energy which has substantially supported the CARICOM tournament, CB Group of Companies and NTS Amega Global. The GCF is heartened by the sponsorship received from these companies and the support they have expressed for the development of chess in Guyana.