Forty players with 33 from overseas, including 2 former world champions, have gathered at the Bamboo Blu Beach in Mammee Bay, St. Ann, for the 5th Annual Jamaica International Backgammon Tournament. 

The tournament began on August 21st and ended on August 24th. The Tournament was sponsored by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, whose contribution was able to buy new backgammon boards for the tournament. Other sponsors include Wisynco, RIU Hotels, and Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty.

Custos of St Ann, businessman and backgammon player Joe Issa, hosted the tournament. He said, “I built this building here at Bamboo Blu Beach just to host this tournament”.

He added that as host, he handles the logistics and organisation of the tournament. Noticeably, he also added accommodations for disabled players. Antoinette Williams from New York was able to mobilise her motor scooter wheelchair up a ramp and stairs so she could participate in the tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive a cash prize and a trophy.