St. Kitts and Nevis Team Contests Sub-Zonal Chess Championship in Trinidad.

Paragraph 1: Setting the Stage for Caribbean Chess Rivalry

The Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre in St. Ann’s, Trinidad & Tobago, became the battleground for intellectual prowess as the Sub-Zone 2.3.3 Absolute & Women’s Chess Championships commenced on April 11, 2025. The tournament, a prestigious event in the Caribbean chess calendar, welcomed the spirited team from St. Kitts and Nevis, eager to make their mark on the regional stage. The delegation, embodying national pride and a fierce determination to compete amongst the Caribbean’s chess elite, embarked on their journey earlier that day. This championship serves as a crucial platform for players to test their strategic thinking, tactical execution, and mental fortitude against some of the region’s finest chess minds.

Paragraph 2: Introducing the St. Kitts and Nevis Chess Contingent

Representing the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a dedicated team of chess players and support staff stepped onto the international stage. Latoya Fyfield-Jones led the delegation as Head, ensuring smooth operations and providing guidance to the team. Kaellaa Fyfield-Jones offered crucial support, while Kaeden Fyfield-Jones competed in the Absolute Section. The Women’s Section saw the participation of Halla Sahely and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Mia Sahely. Each member carried the hopes and aspirations of their nation, prepared to engage in intense mental combat throughout the week-long tournament.

Paragraph 3: Navigating the Initial Challenges of the Tournament

The opening rounds of the championship proved challenging for the St. Kitts and Nevis team, exposing them to the high level of competition prevalent at the Sub-Zone event. Kaeden Fyfield-Jones, in the Absolute Section, experienced setbacks in both Round 1 and Round 2, losing to Jhonathan Bregita of the Netherlands Antilles and Brad Lee of Trinidad and Tobago, respectively. In the Women’s Section, Halla Sahely also faced a tough opponent in Round 1, falling to WCM Zara Majid of the Cayman Islands. Round 2 saw Halla receive a bye, offering a brief respite from the competitive intensity.

Paragraph 4: Glimmers of Hope and Resilience in Round 2

Despite the initial hurdles, Round 2 brought forth a resurgence of hope for the St. Kitts and Nevis team. WCM Mia Sahely, after a difficult opening match against WCM Taqesyah Marcos of the Netherlands Antilles, rebounded strongly in Round 2, securing a resounding victory against WCM Liana Pieter, also representing the Netherlands Antilles. This win injected a much-needed boost of morale into the team, demonstrating their resilience and ability to adapt to the demanding competition. The experiences of the first two rounds provided valuable lessons and insights that would shape their approach in the subsequent rounds.

Paragraph 5: Looking Ahead with Renewed Determination and National Support

While Round 1 served as a learning experience, the victory in Round 2 reignited the team’s fighting spirit as they prepared for Round 3. Armed with newfound determination and fueled by the unwavering support of their nation, the St. Kitts and Nevis team aimed to translate their potential into tangible results. The St. Kitts and Nevis Chess Federation extended its best wishes and congratulations to the team, acknowledging the immense pressure and responsibility they carried, not only as strategic competitors but also as ambassadors of their nation.

Paragraph 6: Acknowledging the Collaborative Efforts and Embracing the Journey

The St. Kitts and Nevis Chess Federation expressed gratitude towards numerous individuals and organizations whose contributions were instrumental in facilitating the team’s participation in the championship. Special recognition was given to Jose Carrillo Pujol of FIDE América, Latoya Fyfield-Jones, Halla Rahme Sahely, the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association, and the Office of the Prime Minister for their invaluable support. With the pieces in motion and the strategies unfolding, Team St. Kitts and Nevis embraced the ongoing journey, poised to make further strides in the remaining rounds of the Sub-Zone 2.3.3 Chess Championships. Their participation exemplifies the growing prominence of chess in the Caribbean and the dedication of these young minds to excel on the regional and international chess stage.