Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands — The British Virgin Islands Chess Federation (BVICF) has announced the national teams that will represent the Territory at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15–28, 2026.
The announcement was made on International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20 to commemorate the founding of FIDE (the International Chess Federation) in 1924.
This year’s selection marks another important milestone in the continued development of chess in the Virgin Islands, highlighting the Federation’s commitment to expanding the sport, nurturing young talent, and creating opportunities for local players to compete on the international stage.
The 2026 Team BVI delegation will feature a combination of experienced competitors and emerging young players who represent the growth and future of chess in the Territory.
The national teams are:
Open Team
● Maurice Lettsome
● Jhon Samuel Chane-Ann Chin
● Shamoy Joseph
● Anferny Raheem Hodge
● Dimitri Fungfook
Women’s Team
● Alexis Ganigan
● Makalia Fergus
● Tiandra Scatliffe
● Kiara Phillip
Colombian trainer Angela Franco will serve as the Women’s National Team Coach and Captain for the Olympiad, while the Open Team will be coached by French-Egyptian Grandmaster Samy Shoker and captained by Art Christopher.
Supporting the delegation will be Jenefer McSheene, who will serve as Team Manager, while Sachkia Barnes will represent the Federation as the BVI’s Delegate to the FIDE Congress during the Olympiad.
Building the Future of Chess in the Virgin Islands
Several members of this year’s delegation are currently enrolled in secondary schools, reflecting the progress being achieved through the Federation’s youth development initiatives and partnership with the Ministry of Education.
The blend of youth and experience within the 2026 teams demonstrates the continued expansion of chess participation in the Territory and the growing opportunities available to young Virgin Islanders through the sport.
Beyond competition, chess has become an important tool for developing critical thinking, discipline, strategy and confidence among students and players of all ages.
The BVICF extended congratulations to all selected athletes and expressed gratitude to the parents, families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters whose continued encouragement has helped strengthen the chess community throughout the Virgin Islands.
Preparing for the International Stage
With the Olympiad approaching, final preparations will continue through training sessions and team development as the players prepare to represent the Virgin Islands in Samarkand.
On International Chess Day, the Federation is inviting the public to support Team BVI 2026 as the players carry the Territory’s name onto one of the world’s biggest chess stages.
Residents are encouraged to follow the team’s journey on Facebook at /bvichess and through the hashtag #TeamBVI2026.
About the BVI Chess Federation
The British Virgin Islands Chess Federation is the official governing body for chess in the Territory and a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to growing the game at every level.
Through its affiliation with FIDE, the Federation works to promote chess participation, support player development, and connect Virgin Islands competitors with regional and international opportunities.