Appreciate ‘Zico’ coming forward to clear the air

Feb 17, 2010 Sports

It is articles like the one containing an interview with Linden Amateur Basketball Association head Abdulla ‘Zico’ Hamid by sports reporter Edison Jefford that has given optimism to many that a new dispensation in Guyana Basketball is at hand.

Whether it was ‘Zico’, seeking to clarify the issues surrounding his selection to go to the Caribbean Basketball Confederation meeting, who initiated the sit-down, or Jefford following up on the concerns raised, is at this point irrelevant.

The fact is, questions were raised (not only by me) and now we have some answers regarding an arrangement that appeared convenient to say the least.

This was precisely the point of my earlier letter as in the absence of pertinent information from and about the powers that be, then there is justifiable speculation by the public and any inference drawn is therefore reasonable. Many times the environment we reside in is one we helped create.

Secrecy and lack of information were some of the hallmarks of the previous leadership of the GABF, of which I still maintain Patterson as vice-president was a part, and it is indeed heartening and instructive that ‘Zico’ has stepped forward swiftly to ‘clear the air’.

I trust that in the days and months ahead, we the public, will learn more about Mr. Patterson’s plans for the sport and hold the executive fully accountable.

That said, congratulations are in order for the newly elected executive as the General Council has seen it fit to install a body believed capable of elevating local basketball. You have the benefit of a fresh mandate and I trust that you will look past the Executive to the General Council, as stated by Mr. Patterson, and even further afield for fresh ideas and input on restoring local basketball to regional prominence.

I also trust that you will live up to my colleague Edison Jefford’s billing as a ‘Dream Team’ as Guyana Basketball has endured nothing short of a nightmare in recent times.

Again, congratulations to Patterson and Co. and Godspeed.

Duane Fowler