Jamaica Inn Foundation’s backgammon tourney returns Fathers’ Day weekend
Published:Saturday | April 25, 2026 | 12:05 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Who knows, maybe last year’s history-making run to the title may be repeated by the youngest-ever champion, then 17-year-old John Issa.
But whatever the outcome, this year’s ninth annual Jamaica Inn Foundation Backgammon Tournament promises to be yet another exciting event for participants and spectators alike.
The event was launched Thursday, April 16 at Jamaica Inn, in Ocho Rios, the venue for the event, and is set for its usual Fathers’ Day weekend date, which is June 19-21 this year.
For the second straight year, Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers are platinum sponsors, with proceeds from the event once again going towards the White River Fish Sanctuary.
Kyle Mais, managing director at Jamaica Inn, who chaired the launch, said that the organisers are looking forward to welcoming up to 40 participants this year.
Friday, June 19, will see a silent auction before a warm-up tournament, and the draw for the main tournament, which takes place the following day.
After the rigours of Saturday’s main tournament, participants will get to relax and enjoy a glass bottom boat tour across the White River Fish Sanctuary.
Jamaica Inn Foundation board members, Olivia Morrow, and Belinda Morrow also spoke of the impact of the backgammon tournament. In welcoming the gathering, Olivia Morrow not only spoke of this year’s tournament but promised that the 10th anniversary edition next year will be “bigger and better.”
Belinda Morrow highlighted the fact that every entrant will win something and the event will be a fun day for everybody, not just the players. She urged persons who are not “serious” backgammon players to come out the warm-up tournament on the Friday.
Jonathan Hernould, manager of the fish sanctuary, thanked the Jamaica Inn Foundation for its continued support of the park, noting the support has been in place since inception.
Meanwhile, Gregory Mair, managing director of platinum sponsors, Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers, told The Gleaner he was happy to return as main sponsors for the second year, having previously sponsored the event for several years in a smaller capacity.
“First of all it’s a great cause; Jamaica Inn is leading in playing their role as a private sector entity in the sustainability of our environment, so we could not but be partners and help them in this noble cause,” Mair told The Gleaner.
“We’ve been sponsors for many years as a small sponsor so to speak but two years ago, we got the opportunity – we were fortunate enough to be invited - and we became main sponsors,” he explained.
Mair said he is open to long-term sponsorship of the event.
“Any opportunity that we find that is seen to be serious, committed, and sustainable, we will play our role and partner with it.”