Change or rearrange?

Another change in the composition of the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF) has taken place.

Therefore, out goes Wayne Williams as head of the SVGBF and in comes Rohan Providence, who takes the reins.

Providence, who had served on the national basketball administration as treasurer, got the affiliates’ nod, as they handed him 15 votes.

Meanwhile, Williams garnered 11 and Karel Bramble, who was Williams’ first vice-president on the outgoing executive, got a mere two votes.

Bramble, in his second attempt to remain on the executive, was defeated by Kendale Thomas 20-7, in the run-off for the first vice-president post.

The other positions of second vice-president, third vice-president, treasurer, general secretary and assistant secretary–treasurer, did not need a vote, as they were all unopposed.

It was clear from the get go that there was a move to adopt the “geh rid ah dem” approach, hence there was little that remained in the house of basketball, it was almost stripped bare.

In fairness to the Williams-led executive who had served from 2016; that configuration was installed somewhat by default.

They were voted in after the previous set-up, under the leadership of Junior Sutton, crumbled to pieces.

The scene was played all over again with Williams’ tenure, as his support staff too, withered into administrative orbit without a trace.

So the change has come, as anyone who has been following the sport and has some local knowledge, the new move was orchestrated.

There was nothing unethical, it was all within the democratic rights, as the new SVGBF’s executive almost mirrors that of the makeup of the Arnos Vale Basketball Club.

The new executive is fill with young, energetic persons, as well as persons with a passion for the sport. This is what basketball needs at this juncture.

However, running a basketball tournament, like what the Arnos Vale Basketball Club has done with some degree of success for the past two years, is different from managing the sport nationally.

We, though, have to give the elected persons some time to settle down before we assess what mettle and acumen they possess.

This is where the skills of Providence comes in. Here is where the supporters of the present executive have to play a part in moving basketball from its regressive state to some semblance of progression.

It will not be an easy road for Providence and company, as basketball has accrued a mountain of issues for the past six years.

In fact, basketball has achieved almost a non-acceptance status in recent times, as the sport (at least on the mainland) has lost its appeal.

The hosting of on and off school tournaments, sporadic coaching courses, the introduction of the 3 x 3 exercise locally, and consequently participation in overseas tournaments; participation in the annual Windward Islands Schools’ tournament, along with entries to the Caribbean Basketball Championships, are what the national administration have to show for their tenure since 2013 or there about.

Fortunately, the Bequia Basketball Association, along with those in Union Island, the Blue Chip Academy and a few other entities, were those who kept the basketball flames ignited during that period. Had it not been for them, basketball would have been pronounced dead.

And, the causes of death would have been “neglect and lack of commitment to basketball”.

Hence, the new executive under Providence’s guidance, has to first and foremost rekindle trust and confidence in those who are still active in basketball.

He, Providence, along with his show of confidence-ridden executive, must employ, honour and implement the plans as detailed in his social contract, which was sold to the basketball affiliates, and which were bought and accepted wholeheartedly.

Providence and his executive, like what has occurred previously, have already exuded a willingness to get things right, if not as perfect as possible.

He has to be the point guard and direct the play, as persons who follow sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines, have all been accustomed to talk, promises and no action.

The new executive, which has been voted into office this time around, must not only talk, but get things done.

Similarly, those who have been critical of the previous national administrators, should now put their hands to the plough and make basketball in St Vincent and the Grenadines good again.