Chess now a part of VI school curriculum – Hon Sharie B. de Castro

The Virgin Islands Education System is moving ‘Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead’ according to subject Minister for Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (Al) with introducing chess into the school curriculum as a fun way to teach logic and memory.

This comes as the BVI Chess Federation today, April 29, 2023, hosted its Inter secondary Championship held at the L. Adorothy Turnbull Building of the Elmore Stoutt High School with students from three of VI’s schools competing to show their analytical and logical skills in the game.

“Chess trains logical thinking. It teaches how to make decisions, trains memory, strengthens willpower, motivates children to win, and teaches them how to deal with defeat,” Hon de Castro said in a Facebook post today, April 29, 2023.

The tournament which is a pilot project commenced this morning at 9:30 am with spectators including parents, teachers and the members of the public welcomed to view the student's play.

Persons were invited to view game - Hon de Castro

“We are having an amazing Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament. Feel free to stop by to show support and witness greatness,” she said.

The schools partaking in the tournament include the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), and St Georges Secondary.

The tournament which is a pilot project commenced this morning at 9:30 am with spectators including parents, teachers, and members of the public.

8-years-old Isiah Smith of the BVI Chess Federation is the winner of the Junior division while Bregado Flax's Jasmin Brito walked away the winner of the senior division.

Students from the Bregado Flax Education Centre also walked away at the winners of Sr team division games while St. George's School walked away as winners of the junior team division.

8-years-old Isiah Smith of the BVI Chess Federation is the winner of the Junior division.