Chess in Jamaica recovering from Melissa

Jamaica, an island of almost three million, was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that reached sustained winds of 185mph (and gusts over 250 mph). The hurricane created storm surges of up to 12 feet, flooding many parts of the tourist haven. Forming as an “extratropical cyclone” in late October, an area called “Black River” was among the hardest hit. Within 24 hours of the hurricane’s egress, international relief agencies have already deployed boots on the ground to clear debris and restore power.

The Jamaican people are “strong, resilient, and positive in outlook.”

~Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

In an exchange with The Chess Drum on October 31st, Ian Wilkinson relayed that “St. Elizabeth parish is getting the brunt of it – being labeled ‘ground zero’!” Wilkinson mentioned limited connectivity, and some houses took on two feet of water. The hurricane also passed through Cuba and the Bahamas. Despite the devastation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a plea for assistance while stating that the resolve of the Jamaican people is firm.

Despite their own house being flooded, Wilkinson and his wife, Khadine, joined the relief effort in the hardest-hit areas. Khadine, a media personality known as “Miss Kitty,” was tracking Hurricane Melissa’s path toward Jamaica leading up to landfall. A headcount of the chess community was done, and fortunately, there were no casualties. However, many players experienced property loss. The island’s idyllic beauty has been disturbed once again, but the recovery is steady. As far as chess, the island is also in the midst of a recovery.

“…duty is not a convenience. When it calls, one must answer.”

Wilkinson was president of the Jamaican Chess Federation (JCF) for eight consecutive terms (2003-2019) before being reelected at the General Meeting on November 22, 2025. He succeeds Peter Myers, who served for six years. After serving for 16 years, Wilkinson implored other Jamaicans to step forward. When called upon again, he realized “…duty is not a convenience. When it calls, one must answer.”

In a press release from the JCF, they announced,

Wilkinson has indicated that the new JCF Council will hit the ground running and will organize an urgent retreat, giving immediate attention to a number of matters. These will include partnering with the Government of Jamaica to help with the recovery efforts after hurricane Melissa; strengthening the JCF’s administrative and financial foundation; enhancing the Grandmaster-in-10 programme; certification for Chess coaches; and naming national squads which will train and compete regularly.

Of course, all chess development will be taken in stride as the island nation recovers from the devastation. Perhaps Jamaican chess players can be at the forefront of the rebuilding efforts, offering a diversion in times of crisis. Both Jamaica and all of its constituents will need support and assistance to regroup. While the capital and immediate areas escaped the brunt of the damage, the hurricane will have a devastating impact on the island’s tourism sector, the largest source of revenue. However, the Jamaicans are optimistic about a full recovery. Fortis!

Link: https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/