In a recent address by Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, the minister said he is "very interested in the idea of introducing chess clubs in schools where they don't already exist," and he promised to build a Chess Complex/Centre for the T&T Chess Association. This is a huge fillip for the sport of chess in T&T.
Along with that, another significant boost was provided when 17-year-old Javanna Smith was recently named Junior Sportswoman of the Year for 2014, at the First Citizens Sport Foundation Youth Awards Gala Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain.
In copping the First Citizens award Smith prevailed over 16 other females in the various competing categories of sport.
Prior to being awarded this prestigious honour, the then Holy Name Convent, Port-of-Spain, student had become T&T's chess 'queen' in 2013, winning the Open National female championship tournament, ending the seven-year reign of Aditi Soondarsingh.
In 2014, she became T&T's first-ever Woman Fide (F�d�ration Internationale des �checs or World Chess Federation) Master after she finished third in the women's competition at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Under-20 Championships in Costa Rica.
She also 'captured' five victories in ten games at the Chess Olympiad in Norway. At the Pan American Games in Mexico she won three matches and drew four and was also T&T's Under-20 and Under-18 female champion.
Hers is a rise to the top from her first overseas competition in Florida in the Under-7 category in 2005, and winning locally in her age group for every year since then. In 2006 she participated in her first Pan Am games in Ecuador and won bronze at the CAC games in El Salvador.
She has represented T&T at four consecutive Olympiads in Germany, Russia, Turkey and Norway. In 2012 she checkmated her way to T&T's only women's gold medal at the first Carifta Chess Championships held in Trinidad and Under-15 silver at the Pan Am Games in Venezuela.
In 2013 she took silver in the Under-16 category at Carifta in Jamaica and silver again at Under-17 level at Pan Am in Trinidad.
Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Maraval and grew up in Maraval and Barataria.
What schools did you attend?
Holy Name Convent Secondary, 2009-2015, and Holy Name Preparatory School, 2003-2009.
What are your hobbies and interests other than chess, of course?
I also enjoy playing League of Legends, an online game, with my friends, as well as reading fiction based books.
How did you become so involved in playing chess?
My father taught all four siblings to play chess, as he is the general secretary for Fide on the American Continent. He would drag us along to almost all official tournaments. They were also champions in their age groups and won CAC medals in El Salvador and Puerto Rico so I had lots of learning also with them.
Tell us about your inspiration and motivation to play chess and becoming so good at it.
Primarily, the only reason I played chess was because I had no other alternative. My dad put me in it, and I couldn't get out so I figured it made no sense to play badly, and so I didn't resist playing the sport (laughing). However as time progressed, I saw it as a fun activity; many of my friendships were made at chess. The game itself got more interesting, and as I got better, I slowly began to grow a liking towards it since I started seeing myself progress over the years. I was never exactly motivated at one point, it's all been a journey where I got better and better at the sport, and that in itself motivated me.
What are some of the challenges you face as a chess player?
There are two main challenges. First would be managing school work and chess training. Second would be getting funding for training and travel abroad to represent the country at international events. Half of the time my parents would have to pay for my trips, airfare, accommodation, meals, training etc. More support from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs would be greatly appreciated for my future endeavours.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Obtaining my Woman Fide Master title has to be my greatest pride right now.
Of all your prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?
My Female Youth of the Year award, from the First Citizens Sports Foundation, is very dear to me.
What is your most treasured possession?
That will have to be my life and family.
What goals and/or ambitions do you have?
At this point, several of my personal goals have been achieved, now I'm aiming towards a Woman International Master title and my university career.
If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
In the whole world? Of course it would be the one and only Chino Moreno from my favourite band Deftones. He's my idol, he writes great music and has an amazing voice, he's very loving to his friends, family and to his fans. I think he's a great demonstration of "doing what you love most" and that's a quality that I truly admire.
Who was your hero growing up outside of your family?
Growing up, I had a chess coach who really influenced me. International Master Raul Perez Hernandez from Cuba. In all honesty, I always felt like I was his favourite student. He'd always be positive; even when I'd lose a match, I'd still get rewarded with hugs and sometimes even chocolates and sweet drinks. When everyone else was disappointed in me, he was always supportive and I really miss him for that.
Upcoming events, competitions?
Lots. There are the Pan Ams Under-18, CAC U-18, CAC U-20 and my A- Levels.
What do you see for the future of the sport of chess in T&T?
There is a great immediate future for the female chess players since a lot of progress is being made for us females.
What makes for a really good chess player?
One who is always humble in victory, and graceful in defeat.
What advice would you give to the country's youths to create a better society?
Study hard, dream big and work towards your dreams...and read this article! (laughing)
Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with S, the initials of your name.
Hmm that would be jaunty and sincere.
