The Jamaican Chess Federation (JCF) has had a banner year with Ian Wilkinson at the helm. In a bold initiative, the JCF set forth to establish chess activity in every parish. The result has been the sprouting of chess events from Montego Bay to Kingston.

After a year of hard work, the JCF held its "Annual Awards" on December 22nd at the Altamont Court Hotel. There were many winners in a number of categories, but seven-time National Champion, NM Shane Matthews (right) took home an armful of accolades including the "Player of the Year."

Mark Holness was voted "Sportsman of the Year" and along with Pete Myers, received Certificates of Merit for contributions to the Jamaican chess community. Maria Palmer-Bello (left), now residing in Nigeria, won "Sportswoman of 2the Year" award due to her strong performance at the 2002 35th World Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia. Ms. Bello earned a FIDE rating of 2050 from her Bled Olympiad performance. Her presence will be sorely missed on the national team.

In other presentations, Deborah Richards was presented with her title for the island's National Women's Champion. Brandon Wilson, the 2002 President's Invitational Champion, was voted Most Improved Player of 2002. He also received the Most Promising Player of 2002 Award. FM Warren Elliott was officially presented with his FIDE Master title, while NM Mark Smith and NM Ras Malaku Lorne received their National Master titles. The guest speaker at the Awards was Crenston Boxhill, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

Posted by The Chess Drum: 28 December 2003