2016 HAROLD CHAN CHESS OPEN
Re: The passing of Mr. Brian George
2016 October 26
PRESS RELEASE
Re: The passing of Mr. Brian George
The Jamaica Chess Federation (“JCF”) is extremely saddened at the sudden passing, on Sunday, October 23, of Mr. Brian George the President and Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Ventures Limited (“SVL”). We extend our profound condolences to Mr. George’s widow, Keneea, his children, other family members, friends and the management and staff of SVL, respectively. We wish for them all courage and strength at this difficult time and offer our support in any way possible.
Mr. George was an outstanding Caribbean citizen blessed with, among other things, great intelligence, vision, a social conscience and a magnificent charitable personality. He had an astute business mind and straddled the commercial world in the Caribbean like a Colossus.
An affable and charming Trinidadian, he was a true sports aficionado and became a good friend of Chess, helping to raise the profile of this ancient yet modern sport (the fastest growing in Jamaica!) with his support via SVL, the Culture, Health Arts, Sports and Education (“CHASE”) Fund and the Courtney Walsh Award For Excellence, respectively.
Indeed, it was Mr. George who made it possible, with sponsorship from SVL, for Jamaica to debut at the World Senior Chess Championships in Acqui Terme, Italy in November, 2015. Further, just a few months ago he was instrumental in the company sponsoring the second edition of the Jamaica Veterans/Seniors Chess Championships for the William Roper Memorial Trophy.
The JCF mourns Mr. George’s passing but, simultaneously, celebrates his existence, his embracing of Jamaica, as well as his dedication, sterling and unstinting contribution to Caribbean arts, business, education, health and sports thereby improving the lives of countless persons in the region.
May his soul rest in peace and be illuminated with that divine, perpetual light.
IAN G. WILKINSON, QC
PRESIDENT
JAMAICA CHESS FEDERATION