The FIDE Director for Chess Development, Nigel Short, recently visited Antigua and Barbuda for a series of events aimed at promoting the game of chess across the nation. He was warmly received by the Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation, with prominent figures such as President Hannibal Fleming, Vice President Matthew Bailey, and Media Manager Julian Piper welcoming him upon his arrival.
Promoting Chess Through Community Engagement
Soon after his arrival, the delegation attended a gathering at the Cedar Valley Golf Club, where they met National Hero and cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards, along with Leon Kuma Rodney, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association. During the event, Sir Vivian Richards shared his personal connection to chess, reminiscing about a previous visit from chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand during a tour of India. He also discussed the significant impact of the iconic 1972 Fischer–Spassky world championship match on the game’s popularity.
The following day, Nigel Short hosted a simultaneous exhibition against some of the country’s top players, including experienced members of the national team who have participated in the Chess Olympiad. Remarkably, Short won all eight games, demonstrating his exceptional skill. This event was attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, his wife Sonja Williams, Sir Vivian Richards, and Leon Kuma Rodney. Short also took this opportunity to encourage the nation’s female players, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to send its first women’s team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
In addition to the exhibition, Short and Federation President Hannibal Fleming appeared live on ABS Television to discuss the ongoing development of chess in Antigua and Barbuda. They engaged with government officials, including Darryl Matthew (Minister of Education, Sports, and Cultural Affairs), Paul Chet Greene (Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the National Olympic Committee), Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne (Minister of Finance, Investments, and Corporate Governance), and Charles Max Hernandez (Minister of Tourism). The officials expressed strong support for the federation’s future plans and pledged assistance with resources and events.
The visit also featured a stop at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, where the delegation met Principal Professor Justin Robinson. He emphasized the potential role of chess in enhancing campus life through tournaments and instructional programs. To conclude his trip, Nigel Short visited Island Academy and Cobs Cross Primary School, introducing students to the basics of chess and inspiring them to continue learning this strategic game.