The Tribune

JOSEPH Ferguson has been elected as the new president of the Bahamas Chess Federation, replacing Elton Joseph, who served as the immediate past president.

Joining Ferguson on the executive team are NM Byron Small as treasurer and WCM Antoinette Seymour as the secretary.

“It is an honour to have been chosen as the next president of the Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF),” Ferguson said.

“On behalf of the newly installed BCF executive team, I salute outgoing president, Elton Joseph, and his team for the stellar work they have done.

“We hope to continue to build chess on the solid foundation we have inherited, and are all grateful to serve.”

Ferguson said while they are all anxious to return to face-to-face play, they are mindful that we are in a pandemic.

“The BCF will continue to abide by the strictest protocol measures to ensure the safety of all our members and friends,” he said.

“Therefore, face-to-face play will continue to be suspended until such time as COVID-19 is contained.

“In the interim, online tournaments will continue and we welcome any suggestions to encourage, enhance and promote chess during these unprecedented times.”

Ferguson revealed that the BCF currently has two executive vacancies for First Vice-President and Second Vice-President.

He said it is important that we fill these vacancies. As per the Constitution, the BCF Executive Board invites all persons interested to submit their name via email to:

info@bahamaschessfederation.org

on or before Tuesday January 26, 2021.

All candidates must meet criteria, per recent BCF ruling: (1) be a full member of BCF, and (2) has not been suspended more than once by BCF. Based on the submissions, the executive team will proceed, as empowered by the Constitution, and advise the Federation thereafter.

The BCF monthly meetings will be held every third Sunday in each month, beginning February 21, 2021. Until further notice, these meetings will be held using a ZOOM platform.

Beginning Sunday, January 31 at 4pm, and every other Sunday thereafter, the BCF will engage in a constitutional review. Ferguson said this is of the utmost importance and most be done expeditiously. As such, members are invited to indicate their interest, via email/letter, in serving on said Ad Hoc Committee by Friday, January 22. Committee meetings will be held using the ZOOM platform, unless otherwise advised.

As per the BCF Constitution, once a final version of an amended Constitution is ready, a special called meeting will occur for the approval of the same.

Ferguson advised persons to look out for further communications in this regard.

“Do know that during these unprecedented times, the new executive team does have some novel initiatives, which we hope will spur BCF full membership,” Ferguson said.

These include the following:

• Fun matches with ‘retired’ players or those from yesteryear, including former national champions

• Ongoing scheduled/structured mentoring for beginners, e.g., one-hour chess exercises, facilitated by our national experts

• BCF library and archive

Finally, I end with the answer given in an interview regarding my ascension to the post of BCF President:

“The very unusual “Bird Opening.” It is not the tradition[al] first move of many but it has been proven to be sound. My style of leadership may/will be different and go against the norm you may be used to in BCF.

“I will listen, consult and lean on the wisdom of my team, former leaders and be guided by the Constitution of the BCF. If you love the game, we are asking you to consider coming back to it. Let’s talk about what you don’t like, and why you left.

“The game of chess is way bigger than any peeve we may have with any individual. If we all just focus on playing the game, and leave the petty politics behind us, chess will grow and grow with leaps and bounds. I will find you, and I will bring you back. Checkmate in 4 against any defence.”

Ferguson stated that their proverbial is always open and they welcome feedback and concerns from their members as they strive to build a better association and grow together in the sport.

“I’m humbled to have been selected and grateful to serve,” he said.