CAC gold for seven-year-old chess player in Puerto Rico

DORADO, PUERTO RICO:

Seven-year-old Je’Nasiya Mais captured Jamaica’s only gold medal in the Classical Section at the 20th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival, held December 14–21, 2025.

Representing the Chess in Motion Academy, Mais dominated the Under-8 Female category to become a regional champion. She also secured a silver medal in the Blitz tournament.

The eight players from Chess in Motion Academy competed despite the recent devastation of Hurricane Melissa. In a gesture of solidarity, the Puerto Rican Chess Federation awarded every Jamaican player a special medal for their resilience in reaching the tournament following the storm.

The academy secured several other top finishes across both Classical and Blitz formats:

• Rushawn Henry (U8 Absolute): 5th in Classical, 4th in Blitz.

• Khalel Davy (U10 Absolute): 6th in Classical, 5th in Blitz.

• Noelle Noble (U10 Female): 7th in Classical, 3rd in Blitz.

• Kelani Crossdale (U8 Female): 6th in Classical and 3rd in Blitz

• Jotham Mais (U10 Absolute): 9th in Classical, 7th in Blitz.

Top five finishers were awarded medals for Jamaica. The team was completed by Jehmari Johnson (U10) and Kai Chambers (U12), who both delivered strong performances against the region’s top talent.

“Je’Nasiya’s gold is a win for the entire island,” said Melisha Smith, coach of the academy.

“Our players proved that Jamaica moves forward, even after a storm.”