IT is no surprise that both Nigel Hinds and Michael Singh’s proposals are almost identical with the two set to lock horns in today’s Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of office-bearers.

The elections will be held at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).
In fact, their portfolios are similar; Hinds would’ve played basketball at the national level, representing Guyana from 1985 to 1992, whereas Singh although not doing so on the same scale, played the sport while a student at St Stanislaus College before moving to don the uniform of Bounty Colts.

Business-wise, Singh is the owner of Paladin Security Firm and is also in the gold mining industry while Hinds is a Managing partner of Nigel Hinds Financial Services.
Though they are equally capable of turning the tide of the sport in a positive direction from all angles, affiliates of the GABF will have the final say as to who will be seated in the eight seats up for grabs today.
“I believe that my experience, knowledge of what’s affecting the game, coupled with my professional expertise, can take the sport of basketball to the next level,” declared Hinds.
The former national hockey player spent a considerable time living overseas but upon returning to Guyana permanently, he noted that he was in “awe” as it relates to the state of the sport of basketball in Guyana.
“We’re way behind the rest of the countries in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC). I know David (Patterson) tried his best but he encountered several challenges beyond his control. However, that’s still not an excuse for the state of the game. I believe collectively we can turn things around,” Hinds pointed out.
The Certified Public Accountant, Hinds further noted, “I plan to engage all stakeholders especially the Ministry of Sport and National Sports Commission and they have to do with the use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
“That Sports Hall was built for basketball but now basketball is least played there and pays the highest rental fees. I also intend to look how we can make Youth basketball Guyana YBG) a part of the GABF and have them regulated in accordance to FIBA.”
Meanwhile, Singh, who is credited for his personal investment in the sport around Georgetown, believes that Guyana has plenty to offer the region but can only do so if fully developed.
According to Singh his primary focus is making sure that basketball has a home in the city and to make the game marketable; something he has been trying to do since taking the helm of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) last year.
Singh also believes that the new GABF president should be interactive with all stakeholders of the sport and not be subdued to sitting behind his desk.

(Rawle Toney)