Our Barbados Youth Chess Team demonstrated one of its most successful showings in youth chess history, following a series of brilliant performances at the XX Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival.

Leading the charge was Under-8 Female National Champion, Nia Snow Clarke, who made her CAC debut in extraordinary style. Clarke stunned the playing hall with a commanding run across the boards, capturing silver for Barbados, by winning 7 of her 9 rounds, and smashing national record to become the youngest Barbadian primary school student to medal at such a tournament.

Barbados continued to celebrate with another podium finish in the Under-18 Female division, as Woman Fide Master, Hannah Wilson mustered a sensational comeback, pushing through the ranks and powering her way to a bronze medal victory.

It was not finished there, the momentum continued in the Under-16 Female category, where after a few challenging rounds, Woman Candidate Master, Chanon Reifer-Belle edged past a field of tough opponents to collect a fifth-place medal for Barbados.

Overall, commendable performances were seen across all age the categories, especially where many of the young athletes demonstrated impressive tactical precision, consistency and fearlessness at the board, evidence of the Barbados Chess Federation’s long-term strategic effort to build strong talent and elevate Barbados to the highest levels of regional and international play.

In the blitz showcase component, Barbados also gave outstanding performances, with Amari Blackman; Noah Clarke; Chanon Reifer-Belle; Charis Stuart and Hannah Wilson being awarded for their efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Barbados Chess Federation, Head of Delegation, Ms. Hetty Wilson expressed deep pride in the team’s accomplishment: “This is a moment of national celebration for Barbados chess. Our athletes competed against some of the sharpest minds and highest-rated young players in the region and have proven themselves more than capable. The level of competition at these games is extremely high, yet our young athletes displayed their personal best and gained substantial FIDE ratings in the process. Our team has truly delivered with courage, preparation and heart, and we are immensely proud of their achievements.”