I’m sure all of you have been following the developments in Haiti. It is a tragic event and the country of almost 10 million will need a lot of support to rebuild. I have written a plea to the chess community for support.
The Haitian team at the 2006 Chess Olympiad
I met the Haitian team at the 2006 Olympiad and they were very genuine and were enthusiastic about chess. They missed the 2008 Olympiad because of a series of hurricanes. They had a small, but thriving chess community and a chess academy before the earthquake struck. Although FIDE has not made a personal statement of support, I would hope they will make some plea to help re-establish the community once things have stabilized. In the meantime, words of support and financial donations will help.
I have been unable to make contact with anyone in the Haitian chess community thus far, but I’m still waiting to hear from several people.
Please spread the word about relief efforts.
Read the full story on his website and see the chessdrum's first entry, "Prayers for Haiti." Also read FM Mike Klein's story on his Haitian benefit simul in Charlotte.