THE Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) might have to wait another week to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM), or so feels the president, Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid, after clubs failed to show up on Sunday last. The Linden Technical Institute (LTI) auditorium was the venue for the AGM but only the new prospective body and two clubs; Amelia’s Ward Jets and Retrieve Raiders, were present.
According to Hamid, the clubs were properly informed and were given adequate time between the notice of the AGM and the date.
The next date is not yet known since the LABA president who is also a FIFA assistant referee said that it’s possible that he might have to travel to neighbouring Suriname over the coming weekend on football duties, but that is expected to be confirmed by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the two presidential candidates, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Eon Murray and sports journalist Rawle Toney have met with the other proposed new executives where it was agreed that Murray will go up for the LABA head post and Toney as his vice-president.
Toney said, “I’ve known Murray for a very long time and he’s already a leader in his official capacity and so, I felt as though he will be much more fitting for the role as LABA president.
“We both share the same view and vision for the resuscitation and development of basketball in and around Linden and so it was agreed after a recent meeting that he will be up for the LABA post as president and I as his deputy.”
Toney stated, “For me, it doesn’t matter, I am not going to stifle my conscience about it, all I want is what’s best for basketball.
After learning from Murray that he will be going up, we met and held a discussion and at the same meeting, the way forward for the game was also planned, so I can say that the LABA is in safe hands, but what we need now is to regain that trust from the clubs which, based on the snub, is kind of lost.”
Captain Murray slate  reads: Toney as vice-president, Brian Young second vice-president, journalist Joe Chapman as secretary, Eusi Francis treasurer and Haslim Graham organising secretary, among others.
Basketball in the mining town has not been played since mid last year after the removal of the uprights from its main playing venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court, following word that the court would be resurfaced.
Other courts in the communities in Linden have been deemed unplayable by the LABA and as such the game plunged to a sudden death.