Chess in Arima: A Legacy of Strategy and Community

The Rise and Fall of Chess Clubs in Arima

Chess was once a beloved game in Arima. It captivated both administrators and players. Over the years, three chess clubs have emerged, each succeeding the last in a cycle instead of existing simultaneously. The first club was the Arima United Chess Club, formed in the early 1980s. This club was part of the Arima United Sports Club, which also supported sports like cricket, tennis, and football. Chess administrators of note included Henry Saunders, Alvin Redman, and Robert Daniel (dec). These individuals were serious-minded Arimians contributing significantly to the chess scene at that time.

In 2001, after a lull in activity, the Eastern Kings Chess Club was established. Names like Ronnie Chung, Alan Chung (dec), Anderson Gordon, and David Christopher became prominent as players and administrators. Ronnie Chung was particularly notable, often challenging even the most seasoned players. Unfortunately, this club ceased operations in 2003.

Reviving Interest in Chess through Education

In 2003, Quintin Cabralis, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation, initiated a new chapter. They met with the Principal of Arima Boys RC, Gabriel Cumbermack, to discuss the benefits of chess in schools. Their goal was to get the school's support for a Chess Clinic for children in Arima. Mr. Cumbermack agreed, leading to the first Chess Clinic involving students from numerous primary schools in the area.

The success of these clinics encouraged the expansion of this initiative. The program included "Train the Trainer" workshops and provided free chess sets to schools. The objective was simple yet effective: increase awareness of chess among adults. The hope was that these adults would teach the game to their eager learners.

A Growing Community of Young Chess Players

The results were remarkable. By 2005, over 200 children were playing chess daily in their schools across the Borough. This environment created opportunities for formal and advanced training, pushing some individuals into the national and international spotlight. The Kings and Queens Chess Club was founded by Quintin Cabralis, with its headquarters at Arima Boys RC School. The club's executive consisted of parents eager to see their children succeed. They met every Saturday afternoon for training in preparation for tournaments.

Chess pieces

The Club sought approval from the Arima Borough Corporation, via Councillor Clint Pamphille, to feature chess in the Annual "Arima Fest" activities. This approval ushered in an exciting period from 2006 to 2010. The Arima Fest Chess tournaments evolved into major events, initially starting with 60 junior participants and eventually hosting over 150 participants, including two Cuban International Masters and one Venezuelan National Master.

The Challenges Faced

However, when Mr. Cabralis was elected President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association in 2009, the dynamics shifted. His new role demanded attention that detracted from local club activities. Nonetheless, history remembers Arima's most accomplished chess player, Fide Master Keron Cabralis. He was a past student of Arima Boys' RC, making waves as the youngest Fide Master in the Caribbean at just 14 years old. He was also the youngest player to join the Men's Olympiad Team for the 2010 Olympiad held in Russia and was the only Trinidadian to qualify for the World Zonal Chess Championships in 2011.

As Keron turned 16, he became a motivational speaker for young athletes, including chess players. However, like many young individuals, he needed to focus on his studies, temporarily stepping back from international competitions. His return to the chess scene is highly anticipated.

Renewing the Passion for Chess

Keron’s father, meanwhile, decided to dedicate more time to the Kings and Queens Chess Club. He opted not to seek re-election as President of the National Body. In early 2012, in a renewed collaboration with Edison Raphael and the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation, a free Chess Clinic was held at the Arima Boys RC School. This event attracted over 75 participants over five Saturdays and was enjoyed by everyone involved.

The club continues to host one of the four Annual National Qualifying tournaments organized by the TTCA. Chess clinics are held every Saturday during the school term, aiming to revive chess as a prominent sport in Arima. The plan is to achieve this with support from the Arima Borough Corporation, alongside activities related to the Arima Fest series.

Celebrating Achievements

Quinn Keron Cody Cabralis was born in Arima, on September 9, 1995. He began his chess journey at age 7, thanks to his father's influence. This marked the beginning of a journey filled with focus, dedication, and discipline.

Throughout the years, Keron earned National Titles at each level from Under 8 to Under 18. His rapid ascent placed him among the elite players in the country. For five consecutive years, he qualified for the National Senior Finals, with 2009 being a standout year as he qualified for the World Chess Olympiad in Russia.

In 2005, Keron’s performance at the World Championships in France was remarkable and set a record as the best ever by a Junior player from Trinidad and Tobago. He also secured Gold at the CAC Youth Championships in El Salvador and two consecutive Gold medals at the Miami Orange Bowl Championships. Notably, his participation in the Caribbean Sub Zonals in Nassau, Bahamas, in 2010 was historic. He became the first player from Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the ZONAL Stage of competition, earning the title of FIDE Master in the process.

At just 14, Keron became the youngest FIDE Master in the English-speaking Caribbean. He is currently preparing for CSEC exams, focusing on Sciences and Business. His chess career is temporarily on hold, but he continues to inspire young players both locally and regionally.

Keron Cabralis

As we reflect on the chess community in Arima, we see not just a game, but a tapestry woven with dedication, achievement, and community spirit. The journey continues, and with it, the promise of a bright future for chess in Arima.

[Excerpted from Arima: Our Story 1962 - 2012]

[Arima Borough Corporation Jubilee Publication 2012]