Culture

Young Chess Player from Guánica Represents Puerto Rico at Central American and Caribbean Youth Festival

Published Nov 5, 2026, 5:33 PM ASTvia Metro PR

Why this matters: A young athlete from Guánica, a town of about 17,000 on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, is competing against 423 players from 19 countries, giving the municipality international visibility in youth chess.

Young chess player Jeffry Lajara Rodríguez, from Guánica, Puerto Rico, is representing the island at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Festival, held November 1-8 in San José, Costa Rica. He is part of the Puerto Rican delegation competing in the international event, which brings together 423 chess players from 19 countries in the region.

Guánica mayor Ismael 'Titi' Rodríguez Ramos congratulated Lajara Rodríguez and wished him success in the tournament, saying it is a source of great pride to see the town’s young people represent Puerto Rico on international stages, demonstrating talent, discipline and dedication, and hoping the experience helps him continue growing and reaching new goals. The festival takes place at the National Stadium and the La Sabana National Gymnasium in San José, and features 12 competitive categories from under-8 to under-18.

In context (787daily, from public data)

  • Guánica

    12,855Census estimate, 2020–20241508Founded37.1 sq mi (96 km²)Area
SourceMetro PR

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