“When you see a good move, look for a better one.” – Emanuel Lasker
On Saturday 22nd February 2020, members of the chess community met in Belmopan at the Department of Youth Services at 1pm. Representatives from Cayo, Stann Creek and Belize were in attendance at the meeting.
Former President Joshua Baeza unfortunately, was unable to attend the meeting but expressed his support for the new board and has been more than willing to help the BCF however he can.
Current challenges facing the BCF were discussed and a set of goals were created in order to facilitate the revival and growth of chess in Belize.
GM Nigel Short, Vice President of the international chess Federation, FIDE has offered to come to Belize for a visit with the goal of having the Belize Chess Federation join FIDE. The BCF will be working hard in the background in preparation for GM Nigel Short's arrival.
The B.C.F. board is taking the steps necessary to register the federation as a non-profit organization in Belize. By registering as a non profit organization we become an officially recognized body for chess here in Belize. This will facilitate the growth of chess by allowing us to having a proper governing structure for the organization and allowing us to be able to receive help and sponsorship.
Election of New Board Members
The following board members and area representatives were elected.
New board Members
President Secretary
Alfred Awe Daniel Rivera
Vice President Treasurer
Akeem Jenkins Lissel Martiez
Area Representative
Stann Creek: Ivor Pixabaj
Toldeo: Virginia Cus
Cayo E: Akeem Jenkins
Cayo W: Luis Mendez Jr.
Belize: Justin Hulse/Steve Flowers
Currently representatives for Orange Walk and Corozal are vacant. We will be working in the coming weeks to fill those positions in order to have proper representation for all of Belize. The BCF will actively be communicating with each other through social media platforms on ways to develop chess in Belize.
President's Remarks
"I have been a part of the Chess Community here in Belize for over 10 years. Chess has opened many doors in my life and has given me many amazing experiences and life long friends. As the new BCF President, I plan to revive chess in Belize and increase the communication and visibility of the BCF. Our new board is filled with young and passionate individuals and I am certain we can improve chess in Belize.
I hope that the community can come together and help us in making chess an amazing experience for everyone. We are a small team and support from the community is important in making this happen" ~ Alfred Awe, President of the BCF
The BCF expresses its gratitude to all those who attended the meeting and those who expressed their support despite being unable to attend. We would also like thank the Department of Youth Services in Belmopan for allowing us to use their facilities for the event. They have continuously been an amazing support for chess in Belize.
Comments