Latest update April 11th, 2025 9:20 AM
LABA FINALLY HOLDS ELECTIONS
Capt. Murray and co takes post unopposed
After three failed attempts, the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) finally held their Annual General Meeting and elections on Wednesday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) pavilion.
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Eon Murray went in unopposed as the six clubs present unanimously give their vote along with the other executive members.
Sports Journalist Rawle Toney, who had initially signaled his intentions of running for President, had later joined forces with Murray, giving the Captain the nod and later announced his collation. He (Toney) will serve as Vice President, Bryan Lewis second Vice President while veteran Journalist Joe Chapman is secretary.
The other members of the executive are Eusi Francis – Treasurer, Rowena DeJonge – Asst. Sec. Treasurer, Haslyn Graham – Organizing Secretary and Devan Sears will sit as the Public Relations Officer (PRO).Cloyde Brush, June Harris and Patrick Clarke are the committee members.
Former President Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid give his report without that of the treasurer and Secretary adding that the later was attending to work related issues at the time of the meeting and the other is pregnant.
Hamid pointed out that in his almost two years in office, he and his former executives tried as much as they could, with the little or no resources given to make ‘ends meet’ and to complete the task in which was entrusted in them by the clubs.
He pointed out that his association’s primary objective other than have continued play of the sport, was to enhance the various playing venues in and around Linden.
The Former LABA President who was also a senior National player, stated that he started his basketball career playing at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court and he wanted his legacy as LABA’s boss, to be the complete refurbishing of the premier sporting facility in Linden while also encouraging change in the community that already have basketball courts.
He said, after the MSC’s attempt to have their court redone was seemingly flattered due to various problems, it was then seen how important it was for the other areas to be developed, since the sport almost plunged to a sudden death.
“It was only when sports club shut down and the sport stop, then some people saw what I was saying.” Hamid told the gathering of clubs during his parting speech.
Hamid noted that he was very frustrated in the fact that the elections took a very long time to get off and this was due to the failure of clubs not turning up on the previous proposed dates for the AGM, especially given the fact that he had already signaled that he was not going to seek re-elections.
Meanwhile, a slate was already prepared as to who would be the future LABA executives but upon presentation, it was mentioned by returning officer Petal Simon that the elections would go in the format of the constitution in which it did and unanimously, the body was voted in.
Murray was not present at the time of election due to the untimely clash with his job, but a telephone call to the returning officer did enough to confirm that he’s still running for presidency.
Newly Elected Vice President Toney took the time to thank Hamid for his contribution to the sport during his tenure as LABA President, stating “We know for a fact that he (Hamid) took office under heavy constraints and was able to elevate to an acceptable standards. His intentions were as good as those we have presently, but he stumbled along the way, and in some cases was helped down.”
Toney continued by adding, “But his contributions are seen and on behalf of the President and other executives, we want to thank you for your input into the game. I know for a fact that he (Hamid) has left a big void for us to fill which is seeing the completion of the MSC project and enhancing the game and I should say that we have already started work.”
The Sports Journalist come LABA Vice President says that they will meet on Tuesday at a venue to be determined to further plan the way forward for the game, but promised that the present administration will first have to play “catch up” with the rest of the basketball fraternity in Guyana and answer the ongoing cries of the clubs in Linden and its players which is to be active again.
So far, the present administration has already issued a letter to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation informing them of their presence and will continue to plan the way forward from the next meeting.
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