Guyana for the first time sent a national junior team to the recently concluded 7th Carifta Chess Championships that was held in Paramaribo, Suriname from March 29 – April 3. This event was for strictly junior chess players and saw participants from Suriname, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, Guyana, Bermuda and South Africa.
Guyana was the second smallest contingent, with only eight chess players; while host Suriname had 104 participants; Barbados 48; and Jamacia 32.
Representing Guyana were Ronan Lee (Under 12 Absolute), Chelsea Juma (Under 14 Women), Ethan Lee, Ghansham Allijohn and Jaden Taylor (Under 16 Absolute), Sasha Shariff (Under 16 Women), Nellisha Johnson (Under 20 Women) and Joshua Gopaul (Under 20 Absolute).
The team was accompanied by three parents who acted as team managers. The team was endorsed by Guyana Chess Federation President James Bond and planning of the trip was assisted by GCF Irshad Mohammed.
With 21 points, Guyana finished in 6th position ahead of Bermuda and South Africa. However, they finished with better averages per round that Aruba and Suriname averaging 3 points per round to Suriname 1 – 2 points per round.
The performance ratings for all players are Nellisha Johnson 1037, Joshua Gopaul 1219, Chelsea Juma 928, Ronnie Lee 959, Sasha Shariff 802, Ghansham Allijohn 1158, Jaden Taylor 1095 and Ethan Lee 1193. These players will be added to Guyana’s international list of rated players by June month end.
Special thanks would like to be given to the National Sports Commission, Gervy C Harry, Guyana Chess Federation, Ricardos Dos Ramos and the Suriname Chess Federation, Loris Nathoo of Red Cherry, and parents and guardians and National Coach, Wendell Meusa.
