![The newly elected GABF President Michael Singh [sitting centre] posing with members of his new executive committee after being elected unopposed to the helm of local basketball. Sitting from left to right are Kenrick Thomas and Lawrence Simon, while standing left to right are Junior Hercules, Alex Graham and Joseph Chapman.](https://s1.stabroeknews.com/images/2019/01/singh28.jpg)
Michael Singh was elected unopposed to the helm of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation[GABF], when the entity staged its Annual General Meeting [AGM] Saturday at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston.
Singh ascended to the top post after incumbent Nigel Hinds opted against seeking re-election, paving the way for the former GABF Vice-President to be elected for a four-year term.
The former Colts Basketball Club boss will now head an executive that comprises Vice-President (Operations and Development) Kenrick Thomas, Vice-President (Compliance and Discipline) Lawrence Simon, Vice-President (Marketing and Public Relations) Alex Graham, General Secretary Patrick Haynes, Treasurer Gavin Singh, Technical Coordinator Junior Hercules and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Joe Chapman. The returning officer was Joshua Griffith. Singh’s immediate priority upon taking office will be Guyana’s participation in the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers from February 22nd-24th in Bogota, Colombia.
Following his election to the top post, Singh, during brief remarks stated that all avenues will be explored to gather the funding needed to secure the team’s participating in the prestigious championship.
He further revealed that the executive committee will initiate a tournament dubbed the ‘President’s Cup’, in recognition of the efforts and contributions of the previous heads of the federation.
Meanwhile, former GABF President Hinds stated, “We have raised the bar. For example, 10 million (dollars) may seem like a lot, but that can probably fund one team for one championship. We have raised the bar. For instance, we had an awards ceremony where gave each of the national players $100,000 and this was done because when we came home as champions of the Caribbean no one reached out to us.” According to Hinds, “Guyana needs to have a culture for sport.” He declared that all stakeholders inclusive of the Government, Guyana Olympic Association and the Private Sector need to give more if the respective disciplines are to benefit.
