 Originally published on 12 February, 2021 Paragraphs below taken from United Nations website - https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/ 2021 Theme: Women scientist at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 "On 22 December 2015, the General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish an annual International Day to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities. In welcoming the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organizations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels decided to proclaim 11 February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science." "Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Yet women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science." "At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, female students’ enrolment is particularly low in ICT (3 per cent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and in engineering, manufacturing and construction (8 per cent)." Are we underutilising human resources by having so few women and female students in STEM-related field industries and higher education? STEM related fields are for anyone with an interest. So let us encourage female students in schools and embrace the contribution that women can make and are making in this field.
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Originally published 26 January, 2021
Paul Morphy was a celebrated chess player, who was considered the first unofficial World Chess Champion. He was born in New Orleans, The United States of America in 1837. He learnt chess when he was 8 years old and by the time he was 13, he was one of the strongest chess players in The United States of America. In 1858 Paris, Morphy played Duke Karl and Count Isouard in the famous "Opera Game". Morphy played the white pieces and his opponents were allowed to consult with each other as they played the black side jointly. Yes, it was one player versus two players! For more information see this short biography of Paul Morphy and the Opera Game.  Children in classroom during pre-COVID-19 period Originally published 25 January, 2021 As we observe this year’s International Day of Education, we should not only remind ourselves that education is a human right and about the challenges to achieving universal education, we should also look forward and start preparing our communities and countries for a post COVID-19 pandemic world. Education will need our focus, commitment and support. “Education is a human right The right to education is enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration calls for free and compulsory elementary education. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, goes further to stipulate that countries shall make higher education accessible to all." (https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day) “Challenges to achieving universal education Education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future. But about 265 million children and adolescents around the world do not have the opportunity to enter or complete school; 617 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math; less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school and some four million children and youth refugees are out of school. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable.” (https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day) Below is a link to a Blog published by Kean Smith on 12 January, 2021 entitled "How can we reverse the COVID-19 slide in education?". - hyper link The information in this blog should be useful or interesting to parents with school age children, educators and policymakers.  Student's pencil  Originally published on 3 January, 2021 Last year, 2020, Nimble Minds Chess had a productive year delivering online chess classes and training. During that time the following chess related programmes were delivered: 1. Introduction to Beginner's Chess for Teachers - This pilot programme was organised and funded by The Bahamas Chess Federation during the first lock down imposed in The Bahamas pursuant to its Emergency Orders. Topics to be covered included the benefits of learning chess, and introductory chess topics (e.g. the chessboard, pieces and pawns, castling, checkmate, draw and opening principles); 2. Introduction to Beginner's Chess for Teachers Continued - Additional classes were needed to supplement the initial pilot programme and to introduce essentials of starting chess clubs and organising chess play. These supplemental classes were organised by Nimble Minds Chess and substantially funded by Penelope Nottage; 3. Building Capacity for Teachers in support of establishing Chess Clubs - This programme was a follow-up to the Introductory Classes and focused on Administration of Chess Clubs, Organisation of chess play and club activities and chess training resources. This course was organised and funded by The Bahamas Chess Federation and delivered by Nimble Minds Chess; and 4. Individual Chess Instruction for School-age student players - Nimble Minds Chess offered additional virtual chess classes during the new school year in 2020. Its students ranged from ages 7 to 16, and from absolute beginners to tournament players. Besides an end of term virtual chess play event Nimble Minds Chess organised a Virtual Chess Simultaneous which was hosted by NM Kendrick Knowles, current Bahamas National Chess Champion. During the remainder of this school year, we encourage parents to consider enrolling their children in our online chess classes which guarantees social distance and keeping them engaged. As the COVID-19 vaccine become available and more face to face activities return to our daily lives, we recommend that parents, coaches and chess club organisers read FIDE's Protocol for upcoming over-the-board events. Last year, 2020, Nimble Minds Chess had a productive year delivering online chess classes and training. During that time the following chess related programmes were delivered: 1. Introduction to Beginner's Chess for Teachers - This pilot programme was organised and funded by The Bahamas Chess Federation during the first lock down imposed in The Bahamas pursuant to its Emergency Orders. Topics to be covered included the benefits of learning chess, and introductory chess topics (e.g. the chessboard, pieces and pawns, castling, checkmate, draw and opening principles); 2. Introduction to Beginner's Chess for Teachers Continued - Additional classes were needed to supplement the initial pilot programme and to introduce essentials of starting chess clubs and organising chess play. These supplemental classes were organised by Nimble Minds Chess and substantially funded by Penelope Nottage; 3. Building Capacity for Teachers in support of establishing Chess Clubs - This programme was a follow-up to the Introductory Classes and focused on Administration of Chess Clubs, Organisation of chess play and club activities and chess training resources. This course was organised and funded by The Bahamas Chess Federation and delivered by Nimble Minds Chess; and 4. Individual Chess Instruction for School-age student players - Nimble Minds Chess offered additional virtual chess classes during the new school year in 2020. Its students ranged from ages 7 to 16, and from absolute beginners to tournament players. Besides an end of term virtual chess play event Nimble Minds Chess organised a Virtual Chess Simultaneous which was hosted by NM Kendrick Knowles, current Bahamas National Chess Champion. During the remainder of this school year, we encourage parents to consider enrolling their children in our online chess classes which guarantees social distance and keeping them engaged. As the COVID-19 vaccine become available and more face to face activities return to our daily lives, we recommend that parents, coaches and chess club organisers read FIDE's Protocol for upcoming over-the-board events.  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. Photo* 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.  Below is a recent interview I had with CM Kendrick Knowles following him hosting Nimble Minds Virtual Chess Simultaneous display. Interviewer: Thank you for hosting Nimble Minds Virtual Chess Simultaneous Display on Saturday 21 November, 2020. Our students enjoyed it. How was it for you and is this something that you do often? Knowles: It was a great experience – my first virtual simul actually. I loved the platform and the kids were not easy at all. The basics and fundamentals were shown in all games. No real opening mistakes and quick development of pieces. I don’t do it often, however, I look forward to it now – Thanks for the invitation again. Interviewer: Before we go any further, allow me to congratulate you on winning The 2019 Bahamas National Chess Championships. Knowles: Thank you very much. As you know The Nationals in The Bahamas is a super competitive deal and we take it seriously sometimes too serious. It was a fun tournament, my first without a loss in any round. Photo* Interviewer: What is one of your most memorable experiences while playing internationally? Knowles: 41st Chess Olympiad in Norway in 2014 as my most memorable because it was my first Olympiad and also the tournament that gave me my CM title. Interviewer: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the chess side of your life? Knowles: I play more online than over the board due to the pandemic – but I also study more and I believe I have improved over the pandemic. Only time will tell if it sticks. But I definitely have more time to study now as lockdowns and curfews continue. Interviewer: How would you describe the level of chess in The Bahamas when compared to jurisdictions of similar population size? For example, Barbados, Belize, Malta, Guadeloupe, Iceland and Suriname. What can be done to improve the level of chess play in The Bahamas? Knowles: As I mentioned before we can do much better than our neighbors. I think we are behind in some aspects and ahead in others – for example Suriname has stronger players but I think we have a lot of interested young players who can get to that level with consistent support from Government and the federation. Interviewer: Chess and children. Do you recommend that parents introduce their children to chess? If so then why? Knowles: Yes all children in my opinion should at least be introduced to the game of chess. It helps in teaching patience and the importance of quality decision making. I believe children from an early age can develop an attitude consistent with “winning in life” if they understand the methods involved with winning at chess. Interviewer: Finally, do you have any suggestions for younger players on how to improve their chess game and why they should continue playing chess? Knowles: Definitely study and use puzzles as much as possible. Experiment with openings that fit your style of play – however do not spend all of your time on openings. Focusing on every game putting your pieces in positions to be active. That’s the single most important piece of advice I can give you. Put your pieces on squares where they can impact the game. You should continue playing because you will find – hopefully as I have found – that your ability to put your pieces in positions to be successful also translates to your personal life in making decisions for you to succeed as well. Today, 3 December, we observe International Day of Disabled Persons which was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
We at Nimble Minds Chess are delighted to observe this day because we teach chess in an inclusive way that is compatible with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 10. The wording of Goals 4 and 10 are as follows: Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries. The theme this year is "Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World". See our post on the chess programme at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf - Nimble Minds Chess Programme for students with disabilities. The link below is for visually impaired visitors and will take you to the Nimble Minds Chess Programme for student with disabilities that was mentioned earlier in this article: https://nimblemindschess.org/f/special-education-and-chess We have organised our first virtual simultaneous chess display which will be hosted by Candidate Master Kendrick Knowles.
Kendrick is the current Bahamas National Chess Champion and have won the championship five times since 2013. He has also represented The Bahamas on multiple occasions including at two Chess Olympiads organised by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Photo* We are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to host this simultaneous chess display and look forward to collaborating with him in the future. The format and details for the simultaneous display are as follows:
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AuthorKean Smith is a qualified FIDE National Chess Instructor and former member of FIDE's Chess in School Commission. Archives
May 2025
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