Cayman Islands Chess Federation

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation is delighted that its Chess in Education (CIE) Programme has once again been highlighted by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as a leading example of youth development through chess.

The CIE programme, expertly led by CICF Youth Chess Director NM Ryan Blackwood, delivers chess on the curriculum to nearly 1000 students on a weekly basis.

In July 2025, FIDE featured the significant growth of chess in the Cayman Islands government schools (https://edu.fide.com/post/6882008281dfdddb90274f0e).

Now, FIDE has acknowledged the valuable CIE programme run at Cayman Prep & High School, taught by Coach Blackwood and promoted by CPHS teacher Rhbeen Ahmad. Parental feedback, known to the CICF, confirms that the programme has assisted students in developing patience, focus and leadership skills.

We congratulate Coach Blackwood, Mr Ahmad, CPHS and all other schools, teachers, parents, students, sponsors, supporters and government officials who have made the CEI programme possible.

With continued and additional support, the CEI programme will expand even further in the future.

Happy Birthday to CICF Tournament Director, Fayad Majid!

The Caymans Islands Chess Federation wishes a very happy birthday to Tournament Director Fayad Majid.

We also express our thanks for Fayad’s splendid contribution to our national chess community - not only the smooth running of our tournaments but also traveling with and supporting CICF delegations overseas including to the FIDE Olympiad and the Sub-Zonal.

Have a great day Fayad!

*** Cayman Islands Chess Delegation Shines in VI IRT Hybrid Rapid Tournament ***

The Cayman Islands Chess Delegation proudly represented the nation in the VI IRT Hybrid Rapid Tournament held on Saturday at John Gray High School (JGHS). Cayman players competed across four sections — Under 12, Under 16, Women, and Open — against strong opposition from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

While our players gained valuable international experience throughout the event, it was the Under 12 section that stole the spotlight. Arty Clark delivered a dominant performance, finishing in 1st place with an impressive 7.5/9 points, showcasing the strength of Cayman’s emerging young talent.

The Hybrid Tournament format continues to provide an excellent opportunity for Cayman’s players to compete against international opponents without the significant costs associated with overseas travel and accommodation. These events are an important part of our player development pathway, allowing participants to gain experience, confidence, and exposure on the international stage.

This tournament also served as the Cayman Islands’ final preparation event ahead of the highly anticipated CARIFTA Hybrid Chess Championships, scheduled for July 11–12, 2026. The championship is expected to attract representatives from 28 CARIFTA nations, all competing for regional honors and glory.

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation congratulates all participants on their efforts and wishes our delegation the very best as they prepare to take on the Caribbean’s finest at the upcoming CARIFTA Hybrid Championships.

Congratulations to CM Shaun Tracey on being awarded a Certificate and Badge of Honour by Her Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Jane Owen, at the Cayman Islands Annual King’s Birthday Parade and Honours Ceremony.

This recognition is a fitting tribute to Shaun’s outstanding dedication to youth development, education, and community service in the Cayman Islands. Through his leadership as President of the Cayman Islands Chess Federation, Shaun has transformed chess across our islands, bringing the game into schools, expanding opportunities for children of all backgrounds, supporting students with special needs, and creating pathways for Caymanian players to compete on the international stage.

From growing the Chess in Schools programme and free community masterclasses to helping establish Cayman’s first-ever female Chess Olympiad team, Shaun’s vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on hundreds of young people and the wider community.

Thank you, Shaun, for your years of service, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of chess to change lives. This honour is richly deserved.

*** CICF President Shaun Tracey to Receive Honour in King’s Birthday Honours Parade & Honours List ***

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation (CICF) is delighted that CICF President Shaun Tracey will receive a Certificate & Badge of Honour from Her Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Mrs Jane Owen, at the Cayman Islands’ annual King’s Birthday Parade & Honours Ceremony to be held outside Government House on Monday 15 June at 8:00am.

This honour is being given In recognition of Shaun’s service to chess in schools and the wider community.

Members of the federation and our national chess community are warmly invited to attend the Parade & Honours Ceremony, in which case they are requested to be seated by 7:30am.

A full report including pictures will follow after the Parade & Honours Ceremony.

Meanwhile, Shaun wishes to express his deep appreciation upon the prospect of receiving this honour, and his thanks to all members of the CICF management team, players, parents, schools, sponsors, officials and supporters who have contributed greatly to the founding and development of the CICF and its Chess in Education Programme, which was intially taught by WIM Anzel Laubscher in 2017 and is now led by NM Ryan Blackwood.

The programme reaches newly 1000 students in the government schools on a weekly basis and is at the heart of the CICF youth development programme which has also seen Cayman Islands juniors represent the country internationally, including as members of our women’s national team who won silver medals in their section at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

The CICF also expresses its appreciation, institutionally, for the esteemed national public recognition of the Chess in Education programme in this 2026 FIDE Year of Chess in Education.

Two Caymanians to receive King's honours for community contributions Corinne Glasgow and Shaun Matthew Tracey will be recognised for their contributions to the Cayman Islands community during the annual King's Birthday celebrations.

*** CICF Summer Rapid Tournament won by defending champion Mike McDonald; Emily Emanuel wins the U1500 section on debut! ***

The CICF Summer Rapid Chess Tournament was held today, Sunday 7 June 2026, at John Gray High School, featuring tough competition in the Open and U1500 sections.

Full results:

Open Section:
1st Mike McDonald
2nd NM Ryan Blackwood
3rd CM Shaun Tracey

Open Section Top Female:
1st Abbie McClenaghan
2nd Lia Dimitrova

Top absolute in the U-1500:
1st Emily Emanuel
2nd Reshmila Ramachandran
3rd Ross Blackwood

U-1500 Top Female:
1st Emily Emanuel
2nd Reshmila Ramachandran
3rd Riyashini Reddy

Both of our champions made a perfect score of 6/6!

Many congratulations to all, and our thanks to Tournament Director Coach Enfield Bush, to all parents and supporters and to JGHS.

*** “Battle of the Best" – Cayman Islands Government Schools Online Chess Championship 2026 ***

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – Approximately 10:10 AM
Platform: ChessKid.com
Format: 11-Round Swiss System
Time Control: 3 Minutes per Player (3+0)
Duration:70 min approx

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation (CICF), through its highly successful Chess in Education (CIE) Programme, proposes the staging of the first-ever Government Schools Online Battle Arena Championship.

This landmark event will bring together the strongest student chess players from government schools currently participating in the Chess in Education Programme. The championship will serve as a celebration of student achievement, strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and the continued growth of chess across Cayman Islands schools.

The tournament aims to identify the "Best of the Best" among government school chess players while creating what is expected to be a record-breaking online chess event for the Cayman Islands educational system.

The following government schools with active Chess in Education programmes will be invited to participate:

- John Gray High School (JGHS)
- Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS)
- Lighthouse School (LHS)
- Red Bay Primary School (RBPS)
- Edna Moyle Primary School (EMPS)
- Theoline L. McCoy Primary School (TMPS)
- Prospect Primary School (PPS)
- Sir John A. Cumber Primary School (SJACPS)
- Marie Martin Primary School / (PIN) Programme

Objectives

The championship seeks to:

1. Showcase the success of the CICF Chess in Education Programme.
2. Promote the partnership with ChessKid.com
3. Foster healthy competition and school pride.
4. Provide students with an exciting national platform to demonstrate their chess abilities.
5. Strengthen collaboration among participating government schools.
6. Identify top-performing players across the programme.
7. Create a historic and record-breaking online chess event within the Cayman Islands educational system.

Competition Format

- 11-Round Swiss Tournament
- 3 Minutes per Player (3+0)
- Conducted entirely online through ChessKid.com

Schedule

Time| Activity
8:45 AM| Player Login & Check-in
9:00 AM| Round 1 Begins
10:10 AM (Approx.)| Final Round Completed
10:15 AM| Results Verification & Awards Announcement

Expected Outcomes

- Highlight the exceptional progress made by students participating in the Chess in Education Programme.
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating chess into educational development.
- Generate excitement and motivation among current and future student participants.
- Provide valuable data on player performance across schools.
- Strengthen the national profile of school chess in the Cayman Islands.

Recognition & Awards

- Overall Champion
- 2nd Place
- 3rd Place
- Top Primary School Player
- Top Secondary School Player
- Top Female Players
- Best Performing School
- Highest Average Team Score

Historical Significance

This championship has the potential to become the largest and most significant online inter-school chess competition ever conducted among Cayman Islands government schools.

By bringing together students from multiple schools simultaneously on a single competitive platform, the event will serve as a powerful demonstration of the impact and reach of the Cayman Islands Chess Federation's Chess in Education Programme.

The Government Schools Online Battle Arena Championship will not only identify the strongest student chess players in the programme but will also showcase the Cayman Islands as a regional leader in educational chess development and innovation.

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation proudly invites all participating government schools to be part of this historic occasion. Together, we will celebrate excellence, encourage student achievement, and showcase the remarkable success of the Chess in Education Programme.

One Championship. One Platform. One Opportunity to Crown the Best of the Best.

NM Ryan Blackwood
Youth Chess Director
Cayman Islands Chess Federation

The Cayman Islands Chess Federation wishes a very happy birthday to Grandmaster Nigel Short MBE!

Nigel is a long-standing friend of the CICF who was instrumental in its formation in 2019 and admission to FIDE in 2020.

These photos are from Nigel’s visits to Grand Cayman in 2017 (for our first Grandmaster Corporate Challenge fundraiser) and in 2019 for meetings with Government and the launch of the federation.

We also introduced Nigel to the stingrays…!

Happy birthday Nigel!

*** CICF Summer Rapid 7 June @ John Gray High School - Registration open, in Open & U1500 categories ***

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJmGErjI6Y_GgXjVgVY4ljpP6FHDoRvSaezybQu76u0e7QFg/viewform

*** Community congratulations post ***

At its heart, the Cayman Islands Chess Federation is a community institution, so we pause to congratulate some of our members on personal milestones.

Congratulations to Pallavi Patil upon being chosen as a featured artist within Cayman Art Week. Pallavi’s watercolors are being exhibited today at Indigo Bay in Grand Harbor!

Congratulations to Laia and Rhea Swaminathan upon graduating Cayman International School. Laia and Rhea both competed against Grandmaster Nigel Short in his simultaneous display at the George Town Public Library in 2017, and Laia went on to represent the Cayman Islands at the FIDE Chess Olympiads in Chennai (2022) and Budapest (2024), earning the Woman Candidate Master for her performance on board one. Rhea has been active as a writer, including for the Camana Bay Times. Laia is pursing a career in medicine and Rhea plans to go into law. Congratulations to both!

Finally, we congratulate Christopher and Danielle Young upon the marriage of their daughter Saskia!