National Basketball Federation elections fouled out by constitutional debate

Affiliates wishing to elect a new executive for the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF) will have to tarry for just under six weeks in order to do so.{{more}}

This was the decision taken at last Tuesday’s extraordinary general meeting, which was convened at the Xpert Computer Centre conference room.

The meeting was called to replace former president Junior Sutton, who after being elected in April 2014, tendered his resignation at an undetermined date last year.

But affiliates present found out that the problem-riddled basketball federation had only two persons — third vice- president Conrad Simon and secretary Gailene Gordon — who were active in the affairs of the organization.

Wayne Williams, then first vice-president, indicated to the meeting that he had relinquished his post to contest the presidency, while Rohan Providence, then treasurer, also informed that he too had resigned.

It was reported that second vice-president Sonya Lewis, assistant secretary treasurer Suzette Jackson and co-opted public relations officer Romaine Reid, had all exited the executive, through non-commitment, even though Gordon tried to make a case for Lewis.

But the thought of having full elections was dashed, as a verbal battle ensued when chair of the meeting Robertson Henry sought to ascertain the voting procedures, which raised a nest of inconsistencies.

At the heart of the contention was the matter of proxy voting, as opposing views were given, which led to a walkout of some affiliates and even the hurling of slurs.

Some persons also questioned the number of proxies and even the authenticity of those held by president of the Bequia Basketball Association Sabrina Mitchell.

Mitchell, who is also the general secretary of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation and a member of the Board of FIBA Americas, promised that at elections, all affiliates from Bequia will be well represented.

“It is the worst state basketball has ever been in…. Only in basketball this can happen,” noted one affiliate, as the mélée unfolded.

With no possible way forward with the elections, after much debate, it was decided that an interim committee should be installed to see the federation through to the next formal installation of a new executive.

Heading up the interim committee is Conrad Simon, along with former secretary Daron John, as well as Karel Bramble and Saijay Jaindani. A fifth member from the Grenadines will soon be appointed.

Gailene Gordon was asked to work along with the committee, which will set the framework for the elections, the date, time and venue.

The work of the committee will also ensure that the schools and inter divisional competitions of the SVG Community College and other administrative undertakings are carried within the six-week period.(RT)