The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has said it has been approached by several basketball stakeholders to intervene in the current impasse affecting the sport in the territory. Photo: BVIOC/Internet Source

The BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF), after being inactive for some time, dissolved last year. According to recent reports, no election has been called as yet since 'they are still trying to figure out the voting system of who can vote.' Photo: VINO/File

It was in May of this year that businessman and basketball coach Mr Roy A. Garraway lamented that basketball is at an all-time low in the territory and called for the government to step in to save the sport. Photo: RDA/Facebook/File

The BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF), after being inactive for some time, dissolved last year. According to recent reports, no election has been called as yet since “they are still trying to figure out the voting system of who can vote.”

BVIOC affirms complete impartiality

The BVIOC in a press release on May 31, 2024, said its role as a National Olympic Committee is to support and promote the development of sports in the [British] Virgin Islands (VI), while maintaining a neutral stance on the internal affairs of individual sports federations.

“In recent months, the BVIOC has been approached by several interested parties, including members of the BVIBF executive, seeking guidance to resolve the current electoral impasse. These stakeholders have expressed a collective desire to find a way forward that ensures fairness and transparency.”

The BVIOC added that while it is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, it is essential to clarify that it does not have jurisdiction over the electoral process of the BVIBF.

“Our interactions with the BVIBF executive have included multiple meetings where we have been asked for guidance and accordingly, have made recommendations aimed at achieving a transparent and amicable resolution.

“In addition, the BVIBF has access to the guidance and oversight of its regional governing body and ultimately, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).”

Solution rests with BVIBF executive- BVIOC

The BVIOC said it is important for all stakeholders to understand that the authority to call an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the purposes of elections, as well as decisions regarding membership, resides solely with the Executive of the BVIBF.

“The BVIOC does not possess the power to intervene nor interfere in these processes,” the BVIOC emphasised.

The BVIOC said it remains available to offer support and expertise to the BVIBF as it navigates this period, and encourages all parties to work together constructively to uphold the integrity and spirit of basketball in the Virgin Islands.

Gov’t was also asked to intervene

It was in May of this year that businessman and basketball coach Mr Roy A. Garraway lamented that basketball is at an all-time low in the territory and called for the government to step in to save the sport.

According to Garraway “there are some serious infighting going on. I really don’t know and I wish not to get involved.”

International governing bodies for sports usually prefer matters to be dealt with in-house and clear of government involvement.