KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s intellectual sports community has embarked on an ambitious national initiative with the formal launch of the 2026 Strategic Thinkers Campaign by the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA). The campaign debuted at a competitive gathering hosted at the Junction Draughts Club in St. Elizabeth, attracting over 65 participants comprising elite players and distinguished personalities from across the draughts community.
The event showcased exceptional talent, notably featuring Shavier Jaddo, the JDA’s National Youth Champion, who delivered a commanding performance. Jaddo secured a decisive 6-0 victory against Justin Angus in traditional Jamaican Draughts and triumphed 2-0 over Samuel Peirce in International Draughts-100. These wins reinforce his status as the premier Under-20 Jamaican draughts competitor.
International Grandmaster Wayne Reid, who holds multiple titles including 2025 JDA National Champion and 2017 Pan-American Champion, demonstrated his expertise with a 6-0 win against Samuel Peirce in Jamaican Draughts-64. Peirce faced additional challenges, suffering another 6-0 defeat against Top Master Jermaine Delattibudiere.
The JDA has announced its selection of national representatives for international competitions, with Reid, Federation Master Jermaine Hutchinson, Delattibudiere, and Jaddo chosen to compete in the forthcoming Pan American Championships.
Beyond competition, the Association emphasizes the cognitive benefits of draughts, citing documented improvements in strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and mathematical proficiency among youth participants. In February, the JDA will establish two new draughts clubs at Iona and Brown’s Town High Schools, implementing specialized training programs designed to enhance critical thinking skills.
The Association’s 2026 calendar includes significant international engagements, notably the 10×10 Pan-American Championship in Suriname this April and the American Pool Checkers Association National Tournament scheduled for July in Memphis, Tennessee. The next local event will be held at Sabina Park’s Stingers Camp with partial sponsorship from Caribbean Jewellers Limited. The JDA continues to seek additional sponsorship partnerships to support the expansion of draughts throughout Jamaica.