Dear Editor,
In response to the Stabroek News report on the lights being turned off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) while the female basketball team was training (March 26), allow me to state the following
Returning to my notes of the meetings alluded to by the President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, these decisions were taken:
- ‘Road to Mecca’ as requested by Mr Michael Singh
Dates were agreed on by the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, namely, February15,18,19, 28; March 1.
- The dates agreed on by the National Sports Commission and Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation for the visit of the Bermuda Senior Men’s Basketball Team to Guyana were March 10 to 15, 2015.
- Dates agreed on by the National Sports Commission and Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation for the Guyana Women’s National Basketball Squad training session were January 4 – June 5, 2015. Training is ongoing as agreed.
At no time at all was it agreed for the continuation of training for the Senior Men’s team, as no request was made (letters provided).
All the requests in the three letters from Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation were agreed upon by both parties, after discussion. There were no complaints during the three activities.
The National Sports Commission did its best to ensure that the preparations and competitions were done without difficulty.
The National Sports Commission anyhow, wishes to advise that the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation or any other association for that matter, will not be permitted to turn up at the CASH for any activity until and unless the necessary requests are made, discussions held and approval granted.
It is known by all that the CASH is the only facility of its kind and is in constant use, seven days a week, for various sport disciplines and other activities.
Hence, proper planning is absolutely necessary. The National Sports Commission is always under tremendous pressure to accommodate all requests.
The National Sports Commission was advised by the Supervisor of CASH on the complaint raised by the President of GABF.
On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, training for the Women’s team commenced as scheduled, 19:00h. At approximately 20:30h the supervisor recognized the President of Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation at the facility. At 20:45h while the security guard was advising the coach of the 21:00h closure as is normal, the President in an aggressive manner demanded that training must continue until 22:00h as the Berbice players had arrived late. Again, the agreement is that the Women’s team trains from 19:00h-21:00h on Tuesdays. The lights were turned off at 21:10h. The President indicated that training will continue regardless.
If the President needed extra time for whatever reason, he should have, in a professional manner, spoken with the supervisor for an extension. Order and orderliness are important when dealing with such issues. Respect from all, for all is necessary.
It is never the intention of the National Sports Commission to hinder the progress of the development of sport. Therefore, it is imperative for all to adhere to the established rules and regulations.
Yours faithfully,
Gervy C Harry
Admin Officer
