Guyana Amateur Basketball Association [GABF] Vice-President Michael Singh has confirmed his intention to run for the post of GABF president at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Singh said, “I have 90 percent committed to run for the top post. I have spent two years at the Georgetown level and five years at the federation level so I think it’s time and I am experienced enough to continue the momentum.”
Incumbent President Nigel Hinds revealed that he will not seek re-election, paving the way for a smooth transition to Singh.
Singh is expected to lead a slate which will comprise Kenrick Thomas, Lawrence Simon and Alex Graham in the Vice President position, Patrick Haynes as General Secretary, Treasurer Gavin Singh and Andrew Hercules as Technical Coordinator.
According to Singh, “I also think now is the time based on the fact that we are on a high. We just won the CBC tournament and have the best men’s basketball team in the Caribbean so we have to transition to higher goals, which is the AmeriCup Qualifiers. We have had five years of competitive basketball at the national level and that has to continue. We have numerous players at the semi-professional level and one on a scholarship and we need to increase that tremendously. We want three players a year on scholarships under my administration. Nigel Hinds inherited something from [David] Patterson, I inherited something from Nigel and when this administration is over, the next president must inherit as well.”
Quizzed how the administration if successful, will garner the necessary support from corporate Guyana and the government to develop the sport, Singh said, “We have always had corporations help us to field national teams and we are looking at solidifying relationships with three main sponsors and the government for the four-year term.
“I have been liaising with Patrick Haynes who will more than likely be the new president of CBC and Conrad Issa, who recently took over the Suriname Federation so there is a lot of potential for basketball to be played in this neck of the woods.”
Asked what will be the focus of his administration upon entering office, he declared, “Our short-term focus will be on getting the team ready for the AmeriCup in Columbia”, adding that the “Federation is committed to ‘Mecca’ [National Club Championship] for the next four years which is the pinnacle of the club tournaments and exposes players. We also want to do a major school tournament and conclude the year with a Georgetown versus Linden association tournament or host an international team. We must be pushing for the Olympics and having kids in colleges and aiming for the NBA.”
According to Singh, Sports Tourism is an avenue that will also be utilized and developed during his reign.
“We have to focus on the Ministry of Tourism and brand the sport and really tap into the sports sector. This will be done through home and away international tours. We need these tours because they will also help to keep our national teams sharp.”
The AGM will commence at 13:00hrs. Among the affiliates and associations of the GABF that will be eligible to exercise their franchise are Bartica, Berbice, Georgetown, Linden and Guyana Basketball Officials Council, Women’s Basketball Association, Georgetown Masters and GT Pioneers. Each affiliate will be allowed two votes.
