Latest update February 5th, 2025 7:39 AM
German Grandmaster on historic visit to Guyana
Rainer Bahmann flanked by Errol Tiwari (left) and Minister Anthony moments after his arrival at the minister’s office.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) received a timely boost to its development programme following the arrival of one of the youngest Grandmasters, 25 years old German, Rainer Buhmann.
He is here for a 3 days visit. The Grandmaster paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Frank Anthony, at his Main Street Office, yesterday morning, accompanied by President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Errol Tiwari, Treasurer, Shiv Nandalall and tournament organizer, Irshad Mohammed.
While in Guyana, Buhmann is scheduled to hold interactive sessions with several schools on the West Coast Demerara, starting at 10:30hrs today while he will attend similar sessions at the Queen’s College Secondary School tomorrow morning.
The Grandmaster will also engage 25 of the best local players in exhibition matches, scheduled for the Umana Yana, High Street from 16:00hrs today. Minister Anthony welcomed the young Grandmaster while lauding the efforts of executives of the local Federation. He also noted the efforts of local chess organizers in the promotion of the sport. “We have seen the resuscitation of chess activities over the last two years and the presence of a Grandmaster may very well act as an impetus to an improved level of play,” the Minister said.
He also noted the work of the local media and said that such vibrancy has resulted in an international awareness that has impacted positively on local activities. “We have noted the efforts of the media in their reportage coupled with other reports on the net that hyas given the sport a boost,” Minister Anthony said. He said that it is this level of vibrancy has caught the attention of the officials of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) which was largely responsible for Buhmann’s visit.
President of the GCF, Errol Tiwari lauded Minister Anthony’s efforts to keep the sport alive. He reminded the media that amidst the recent flurry of activities, the local Federation was aiming to once again strengthen relations with FIDE.
Buhmann will have a first hand look at the local chess situation even as he assesses the quality of competition locally.
Buhmann’s visit is indeed an historic event following the last visit by a Grandmaster to this country in the 70s. Tiwari noted this while pointing out that local players are eagerly anticipating direction and advice from Buhmann on the intricacies of attaining a Grandmaster status. The Grandmaster has promised to render as much assistance as possible and has even committed to review and critically analyze these games.
During the meeting, Minister Anthony presented Buhmann with a book depicting Guyana’s biodiversity and other historical data while Bahmann in returned presented the Minister with a gift.
Bahmann leaves for Barbados on Sunday to participate in an international tournament in that Island.
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