Guyana Chess Federation pays courtesy call on President Granger

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, David Granger, on Friday received a courtesy call from some of the participants of the eleven-member team who are representing the Guyana Chess Federation at the Ministry of the Presidency. During the visit, the team inducted the President as an honorary member of the Federation.
The team will be departing Guyana on Monday for Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 2016 Chess Olympiad organised by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). The team will be headed by President of the GCF, Mr Irshad Mohamed.
During the meeting, President Granger pledged his support and commitment. He also expressed an interest in meeting with the team

again upon their return home to discuss what measures can be taken to help the Federation to advance the sport in Guyana.
“You have my support. We can sit down and discuss some of the initiatives that can be implemented when you get back. It is a very good sport and we will like to see it in the schools, the villages. It is a sport like any other,” President Granger said.
The President wished the team the best, adding that, “Guyana used to have a footprint in this sport years ago. I hope that you can have that footprint globally.”
Mr Mohamed expressed his gratitude to the President for his support and pledged that the team will do its best to succeed.
The 42nd Chess Olympiad will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, next month and Guyana is expected to be well represented. The Guyana Chess Federation has named a strong 11-member team to represent the country at the event.
The team comprises of Wendell Meusa, 27, who is one of the most experienced members of the team. Jessica Clementson, 20, one of Guyana’s most decorated female players having been introduced to the game in 2009. Julia Clementson, 17, was introduced to chess in 2009 along with her sister, Jessica. Sheriffa Ali, 17, is an accomplished female junior player. She played in her first tournament in 2007. Yolander Persaud, 25, learnt to play during her early years of about age six. Maria Varona Thomas, 47, is one of Guyana’s most proficient female players, with a rating of 1790. Ronuel Greenidge, 33, a skilful player who has garnered a rating of 1725 over the years. Haifeng Su, 21, is a very competitive player with the rating of 1775. Roberto Neto, 19, is an ambitious player who has earned a rating of 1557. Taffin David Khan, 23, is one of Guyana’s most decorated players with a rating of 1861. Anthony Drayton, 22, is currently Guyana’s number one player, with a Candidate Master’s title earned in the 41st Chess Olympiad in 2014.