Hinds calls for increase in budgetary allocation for sport

-not seeking re-election as GABF president

Nigel Hinds
Nigel Hinds

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds says he will not seek reelection for another term at the helm of the local basketball association and is calling for an increase in the budgetary allocation for sport.

“Having to work in an environment where the NSC owed the federation over $4M. The government budget for Youth and Sport development needs to be increased 10 fold to at least $10B per year. We are currently at $1B, a truly insufficient sum,” Hinds said adding that the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) needs to be broader based, when providing significant funding to the different sports disciplines.

Hinds also said that he was willing to lend his expertise and support to those aspiring for the post.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, the veteran sports administrator said, “Support will be provided to all presidential candidates who seek to lead the federation in an even handed manner.” [Its] time to support individuals and communities involved in Youth and Sports development from a better positioned network.”

According to Hinds who was elected in January 2014, his administration recorded several noteworthy achievements during his tenure.

 “They include (1) Resurfacing Burnham Basketball Court. (2) Having a GABF Executive Committee that entrusted me with their loyalty and full support. (3) Installing the largest Display Photo of Forbes Burnham at Parade Ground in recognition of his commemoration of Burnham Basketball Court in the 1960s and his contribution to sports development in Guyana. (4) Having annual national basketball championships from 2014-2018. (5) Installing and maintaining lights at Burnham Basketball Court, which allowed over 100 competitive games to be played in 2017 and 2018. (6) Installing lights at Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court in New Amsterdam, Berbice. (7) Hosting of U16 Caribbean Championships. (8) Guyana winning the Senior Caribbean Basketball Championships. (9) Guyana participating in all the Caribbean Championships at the youth and senior level: Suriname, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Barbados.

(10) Having Bartica Basketball, become an affiliate of GABF. (11) Refurbishing and upgrading the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and (12) providing financial incentives for basketball players and clubs.”