NOTICE TO ALL USVI CHESS PLAYERS, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS​

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​In November 2022, the (now ousted) USVI Chess Federation Board of Administration stopped VI chess players from organizing and conducting a highly anticipated USCF rated tournament at a lovely venue. The Margaret Murphy administration made it clear that VI chess players would never again have her permission to conduct US Chess (USCF) rated tournaments in the territory. This was a huge upset so in hope of having a voice or vote regarding VI chess governance, St. Croix chess players presented four longstanding clubs for acceptance to the USVI Chess Federation Board of Administration. When the clubs were denied acceptance without explanation, it became quite clear that maintaining absolute control without checks and balances and with only Board-orchestrated activities was the main priority of the former USVI Chess Federation officers.​ On the advice of counsel, several VI chess players subsequently joined the St. Croix Chess Club, the single club recognized by the former USVI Chess Federation officers, the president of which is also Margaret Murphy. After repeated unanswered questions and unsuccessful attempts to connect and reach an agreement with Ms. Murphy and her board members (see Document 1), the majority of federation members followed the mandates defined by Virgin Islands laws for nonprofits (Title 13) and filed a Notice of Misconduct (see Document 2) then conducted a special election of Interim Officers (see Documents 3 & 4). 42 VI chess players voted Ms. Murphy and her lame duck board (consisting of her brother, her boyfriend, a former student, and a questionable newcomer), voted in Interim Officers, and on March 17, 2024, at the USVICF Annual Meeting, voted in the following Officers:​  

                                             

Sinclair Wilkinson: President                              

Okemo Hodge: VP for STX                            

Brandon Rhymer: VP for STT/STJ                                                   

William Van Rensselaer: Treasurer                                                      

Anne Kershaw: Secretary

Gail Widmer: Delegate

 

We asked the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC) under the presidency of Angel Morales to recognize our new leadership and he refused, without explanation. We then enlisted the assistance of Senator Carla Joseph who confirmed the legality of our special election. The VIOC is currently under the presidency of John Abramson, and he has suspended all international and regional competitions until Case No. SX-2024-CV-00261, filed by Margaret Murphy as a stall tactic, is either resolved or dismissed. At least Mr. Abramson has leveled the playing field which is a start.  Many of you in our community have expressed your support (520 of you signed our change.org petition!) and graciously donated to our cause.

 

We thank you all so very much!