Interview - Dr. Joseph Ferguson, BCF Presidential Candidate 2021

​Below is a recent interview of Dr. Joseph Ferguson, Bahamas Chess Federation Presidential Candidate 2021, about some of his plans for the chess body.


Interviewer: For those who do not know you, please share with us your professional background and some of your experience volunteering with non-profit organisations?
Ferguson: Dr. Joseph Ferguson. I have a PhD in Mathematical Sciences and have been employed at University of Bahamas for the last 20 years. Working in a non-profit is about sacrifice. It’s not for self glory but for the love and appreciation of what the organisation represents. I have served as President for a local bridge club and tournament director for American Contract Bridge League.


Interviewer: What is your earliest memory of chess and what was your impression of the game?
Ferguson:Self taught myself the game and have never stopped playing it. No matter what I am doing, where I am, if I see a chess set-up anywhere, there is a high probability that I will watch the game and opponents play.


Interviewer: How old were you when you started playing chess and why did you decide to pursue it as a hobby?
Ferguson: It was 6th grade. Someone had brought a chess set to school and I found it interesting. The interesting thing about this set was it had the instructions on each piece as to how it moves. I asked my friend to borrow it overnight. Have been playing chess ever since. I can play this game for hours and feel at peace winning or losing. This game provokes you to think, plan and prepare for whatever comes your way in life. While you are dealing with the current position, you have to be mindful of what will happen moves later.


Interviewer: You are a candidate for the Presidency of The Bahamas Chess Federation (The BCF). Why? Why now?
Ferguson: The Federation is growing but not without its internal challenges. I was asked to be President and lead because of what I suspect is my objectivity I bring to meetings. I do not take sides and I have no “axe to grind”. The current administration has expressed its intent to demit office and I have been asked to step in. I hope to serve at the pleasure of those I lead.
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Interviewer: What skill set do you have that will benefit The BCF?
Ferguson: As a mathematician I hope to use my operational skills to refine the administrative structure of the Federation. I hope to be fair in all my actions. I believe I have shown that I will be just, I will not be loyal to any individual(s) but will follow the rules as best as I can a in a spirit of excellence.


Interviewer: In recent years The BCF seem to have focused on building capacity with training programmes. What would be the priority or priorities of your administration and why?
Ferguson: High priority would be given to revising the Constitution. I believe the federation needs to raise the administrative bar. We have great players. We will plan to continue to provide opportunities for great players to be better. The Federation is small, so attention will be given to projects that are realistic given the man power that is available. There are several clubs associated BCF, and we will hope to have them more involved in promoting chess in the community.


Interviewer: What are some of the strengths of The BCF that you can build on?
Ferguson: BCF has a rich history. Many good players are out there who for whatever reason has left the federation. I hope to entice them back. Iron sharpens iron. I believe we have a good relationship with other Federations within the region.


Interviewer: Should the chess community expect any changes in the administration and/or operation of The BCF? If yes then which changes and why?
Ferguson: If there are changes to be made, the same will be done behind the scenes. The community at large, we hope to show a united front, promoting chess, and celebrating our players as they do well.


Interviewer: How will Scholastic Chess feature in your administration? Please share your plans.
Ferguson: We hope to continue where the last administration left off. Chess clubs which primarily cater to this age group will be encouraged to help in this regard. Inter-club competitions can go a long way to foster good rivalry which will spill over into the Federation as they grow and enter more matured federation events.


Interviewer: What are your plans to expand organised chess throughout The Bahamas?
Ferguson: I think the biggest challenge the Federation has is finding a place to call home: where tournaments can be held and the business of the federation can be housed and conducted. The key to the success of any non-profit organization is to find a partner to help offset its expenses. In our case, our goal would be to find a sponsor or partner to provide a location where chess can be nurtured and grown.


Interviewer: As we conclude, do you have a message that you wish to share with the chess community of The Bahamas?
Ferguson: 1. f4?! … The very unusual "bird opening". It is not the tradition first move of many but it has been proven to be sound. My style of leadership may/will be different and go against the norm you may be used too in BCF. I will listen, consult and lean on the wisdom of my team, former leaders and be guided by Constitution of the BCF. If you love the game, we are asking you to consider coming back to it. Let's talk about what you don't like, and why you left. The game of chess is way bigger than any peeve we may have with any individual. If we all just focus on playing the game, and leave the petty politics behind us, chess will grow and grow with leaps and bounds. I will find you, and I will bring you back!! Check....mate in 4 against any defense!!
Interviewer: Thank you very much Dr. Ferguson for sharing your plans with us and all the best with the upcoming elections.

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