Jno Baptiste, Principal of the St Mary’s Academy
The Dominica Chess Federation has presented the Convent High School and the Saint Mary’s Academy with chess sets.
The initiative forms part of the Federation’s launch of its Chess in Schools Programme, which seeks to introduce or revamp chess clubs in schools on the island.
Mrs Sylvia Jno Baptiste, principal of the Saint Mary’s Academy, said she is pleased with the move and looks forward to the students engaging themselves in the game of chess, which promotes thinking.
She is grateful to the Federation for its support and believes that many of the students have the potential to grow into masters of the game.
The school received its chess sets on Thursday, January 26, at a special meeting involving the students, parents, and members of the Federation.
Meanwhile, Mr Hananel Valerie, a teacher at the Convent High school, indicated that he was grateful for the chess sets presented to the school on Monday, January 30, as they will help in the school’s efforts to energize their chess club. He said at the CHS they focus on ensuring that the students receive a well-rounded education and chess is a great activity as it combines both academics and sports.
The Dominica Chess Federation was formed in December of 2021 with a mandate to promote and grow the sport of chess on the island. Mr Carlton Morvan, Technical Advisor of the Chess Federation who has been actively involved in the rollout of the Chess in Schools Program, says the initiative is expected to lead to more students playing the game, and ultimately allow for the holding of inter-school tournaments.
Playing chess is known to have many benefits, including stimulating the brain, promoting strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as improving attention and cognitive functions. Schools wishing to secure support from the Dominica Chess Federation in moving forward with chess at their institutions may contact them at telephone number 285 4500 or via email at: [email protected].
This is fantastic! I am a former SMA student and actually learned from playing in SMA’s library. Chess is a great sport and I love it! If it is not being done already, this would be a great opportunity to start chess tournaments between the different high schools.
Is there a music Federation to promote music in our schools since our competition is Jamaica, TnT, Gwada and Martinique that all have music taught in N their schools?
Is this about music? So what you asking? Make and present a music federation then. AA, MOVE!
I know wi .. but you ketch my drift, these should be in all our schools, it’s all good but watch the ‘import’ bill.
Nothing is done by half measures in todays Dominica. Give them a few chess sets and somebody can already spot some future chess masters. Nothing but hollow propaganda to deflect from those real problems our country is facing.
You want a chess set man? Why you hating on nothing? This is for CHILDREN! This has nothing to do with propaganda. Something the kids can entertain themselves with instead of the internet, giving their eyes a break from devices and helping build their strategic thinking skills. COME OUT DER!
YOU for sure ain’t a chess master. It appears you haven’t got much grey matter between you 2 ears. Stay out of my stuff!!
These sets can be made locally, easy, all the parts. No reason to import these, except to see any improvements in the way the board is constructed – wood work experts should pay attention and make lots. Same for simple metal items we import that welders should create locally.