Warren Seymour, legend of Bahamian chess, dies

According to press reports, Warren Seymour passed away Tuesday morning, and the country now mourns his loss. If anyone can be called the “father” of Bahamaian chess, it would be Mr. Seymour. He is widely known in the country as one who single-handedly put chess on the map.

Mr. Seymour brought the game of Chess to all of the schools in the country. It was because of him many persons became knowledgeable about the game.

~Bahamas Press Agency

Seymour famously led a youth team to Chicago to participate in the World Youth Team Championship in 1983. That team featured his daughter Antoinette Seymour (six-time national champion) and Juliette Storr, who both competed at the 2018 Chess Olympiad.

1983 World Youth Team Championship
(Chicago, Illinois, USA)

The Bahamian Youth Team at the 1983 World Youth Team Championship, Chicago, Illinois.
L-R: Juliette Storr, Andrew Moss, Percy Rolle, Antoinette Seymour.
Photo by Illinois Chess Bulletin

BCF Officials meet Minister of Youth and Sports (2009)

From left to right: Mr. Archie Nairn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Mr. Milton Evans, Vice President of The Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF); Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mr. Kean A. Smith, President of The BCF and Mr. Warren Seymour, BCF Tournament Director and BCF Scholastic Chess Trainer. Photo by Bahamas Chess Federation

2011 Bahamas Open

Warren Seymour giving words of wisdom to Giovanni Robinson.
Photo by Andre White

2017 BCF Awards Ceremony

In 2017, Warren Seymour (seated center) was honored for his decades of service as an educator.
Photo by Bahamas Chess Federation

The Chess Drum interviewed Mr. Seymour on the island during the 2011 Bahamas Open. He spoke of his beginnings after picking up a book in the library in 1954. He helped the Bahamas get on the FIDE map in 1974 and was instrumental in directing tournaments all over the island. Most of this was due to his own initiative. In fact, Mr. Seymour had such a hectic pace that his doctor had to tell him to slow down!

During his prime, Mr. Seymour selflessly visited over thirty (30) schools a month training young men and women in critical thinking and helping them to develop good decision-making skills. Without any financial gain, he also taught chess at correctional facilities and assisted in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

~BAHAMAS CHESS FEDERATION

Hailing from “Cat Island” in central Bahamas, Seymour had served in various capacities since 1974. After a career that spanned 50 years, he was immortalized years ago with a tournament in his name: “Warren Seymour Chess Classic.” In the following interview, the Bahamian legend gives an account of his chess career leading up to the 2011 Bahamas Open, which he directed.

Interview of Warren Seymour (The Chess Drum)

The Chess Drum community sends its well-wishes to the Seymour family.
More details on arrangements are forthcoming.

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