The World Chess Federation (FIDE) Rating list was published on 31^st December, 2008.  Three time Bahamas Junior Chess Champion and College of The Bahamas student, Elton Joseph leads Bahamians on the rating list of active players.  Elton’s rating is now 1906 after gaining 12 points in the Bahamas Chess Nationals 2008.  He is a mere 2 rating points ahead of National Champion Ken Gibson. 

A list of all the active Bahamian chess players with FIDE ratings are listed below:

1. Elton Joseph                 1906
2. Ken Gibson                  1904
3. Kean Smith                  1862
4. Byron Small                  1776
5. Charles Duncombe       1682
6. Chappel Whyms           1619

Since 2006, all of The Bahamas Chess Federation’s Nationals have been FIDE rated.  Chappel Whyms is the latest Bahamian chess player to earn his FIDE rating.