Barbados Names Teams for 2026 Chess Olympiad

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The Barbados Chess Federation has announced its teams for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15–27, 2026.

OPEN TEAM

  1. IM Orlando Husbands
  2. FM Martyn Del Castilho
  3. FM Justin Blackman
  4. Emar Edwards
  5. CM Justin Parsons

WOMEN’S TEAM

  1. WFM Hannah Wilson
  2. WCM Julissa Figueroa
  3. WCM Chanon Reifer-Belle
  4. WCM Kiarra Eversley
  5. Gaybrianna Moore

Every player selected has previous Olympiad experience.

The teams will be supported by a new husband-and-wife coaching duo from Belarus. GM Sergey Kasparov will coach the Open team, while WIM Tatiana Kasparova will lead the Women’s team.

BCF President Allan Herbert said:

“Both teams comprise experienced Olympiad players, and the appointment of GM Sergey Kasparov and WIM Tatiana Kasparova will further strengthen our preparations. Our goal is to improve on our 2024 performance by securing a top-100 finish, placing in the top 10 of Group D and finishing as the highest-placed English-speaking Caribbean team. We are confident that our players will represent Barbados with pride and determination.”

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Barbados Chess Federation
www.barbadoschess.org

Registration Opens for VEXX Chess Tournament 2026

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The Barbados Chess Federation invites players to register for the VEXX Chess Tournament 2026, featuring Open FIDE-rated and Novice sections over seven rounds.

The first four rounds will be played at the BCC Science Auditorium on August 22–23, with the tournament moving to the Wildey Gymnasium for the final three rounds on August 29–30.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both sections. Registration has been extended to Friday, August 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

REGISTER
REGISTER

For further information, contact Kelvin Daniel at 234-1659.

Chess for All

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♟️ Chess for everyone. Opportunity for everyone.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Barbados Chess Federation, with the generous support of FIDE – the International Chess Federation, donated Braille chess sets and talking chess clocks to the National United Society of the Blind, marking another important step towards making chess more accessible in Barbados.

The presentation took place at the Barrack Building in Warrens and was attended by:
• Hon. Adrian Forde, M.P., Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
• Allan Herbert, President, Barbados Chess Federation
• Dirk Austin, Coach
• Ralbert Ashton, President, National United Society of the Blind
• Kerryann Ifill, Immediate Past President, National United Society of the Blind
• Mark Franklin, Acting Permanent Secretary
• Julia Atkins, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Forde pledged his support for a future national chess tournament for the blind and visually impaired community.

BCF President Allan Herbert noted that the donation forms part of FIDE’s 2025 Social Chess Initiative, which promotes inclusion and expands access to chess for underrepresented communities worldwide.

Both the Ministry and the Barbados Chess Federation reaffirmed their commitment to creating a pathway for persons with disabilities to participate fully in national chess competitions.

Together, we’re ensuring that the game of chess is truly a game for all. ♟️🇧🇧