Jamaica Chess Federation announces winners at Awards Ceremony

Bert Scott, "FM Warren Elliott is Jamaica Chess Player, 2001," Jamaican Ambassadors Chess Academy.

Jamaica Chess Champion, FIDE Master Warren Elliott received the Player of the Year 2001 award from the Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) at its annual Awards ceremony on Sunday, June 16. Elliott, who retained his championship with a record breaking 9-0 performance, also earned the FIDE Master title at the Sub-Zonal Championships held in Merida, Venezuela in 2001.

FM Elliott also received the Gold Certificate of Merit, NM Shane Matthews the Silver, while the Bronze Certificate of Merit was shared by Keisha Ramator and former Junior Champion, Equitable Brown. Other awards presented were: Best Sportsperson (Male) NM Shane Matthews, Best Sportsperson (Female), Keisha Ramator, Most Promising Player, Alain Morais, Most Improved Player, Ramon Jackson, and Most Active Player, Humphrey Gayle. Honorary JCF Membership was conferred on Dr. Harold Chan, William Roper, and Frederick Cameron. Dr. Chan won the Jamaica Championship in 1972-74, 1978, and shared the title with NM Robert Wheeler in 1979. William Roper and Frederick Cameron are both foundation members of the JCF.

The Guest Speaker at the Awards was Mr. Charles Ross, a prominent member of the Jamaica Private Sector Organization. Mr. Ross spoke on the virtues of chess and its contributions to the human mind. Entertainment was provided by Marsha Taylor, Samuel "Yoga Man" Lamount, while the Master of Ceremony was Ian Wilkinson.

Editor's Note: The Chess Drum would like to congratulate all the award recipients, and in particular, the Jamaican Chess Federation led by President  FM Grantel Gibbs. Let us hope that 2002 will bring much success and the country continues to stir interest in the sport of chess!

Posted by The Chess Drum: 20 June 2002