NSC meets with GBF about 2026 plans

January 27 2025

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) continues to be recognised as one of the country’s most active sporting bodies, following a recent engagement with the National Sports Commission (NSC) as part of the Commission’s ongoing meetings with National Associations and Federations.

The meeting saw the GBF represented by Vice President Rawle Toney, while Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, alongside his assistant Melisa Dow-Richardson, led discussions on behalf of the NSC. The engagement focused on reviewing the Federation’s recent activities, strengthening collaboration, and aligning plans for the year ahead.

According to the GBF, the NSC highlighted the Federation’s high level of activity throughout 2025, noting that basketball enjoyed steady interaction and consistent support from the Commission.

The NSC pointed to the GBF as an example of effective governance and programme execution within Guyana’s sporting landscape.

Speaking following the meeting, Toney confirmed that 2025 had indeed been a demanding but rewarding year for the Federation.

He noted that the GBF successfully hosted two major international events; the One Guyana 3×3 Quest and the Women’s Caribbean Championship, both of which placed Guyana firmly on the regional and international basketball map.

In addition, Toney referenced the staging of the One Guyana Premier League, describing it as the largest basketball league in the Caribbean. He said the competition not only elevated the standard of local play but also provided meaningful opportunities for athletes, officials, and administrators.

Toney said the GBF is extremely thankful to the NSC for its unwavering support, adding that the relationship will be even more critical as basketball prepares for an ambitious 2026.

According to Toney, local basketball’s governing body has rolled out an expansive development plan aimed at strengthening the game locally, regionally and internationally.

With 2026 shaping up to be another busy year, the GBF Vice President stated that the Federation will be leaning heavily on the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to help bring many of its programmes and initiatives to fruition.

For his part, Ninvalle reiterated that the GBF has been one of the most active and functional federations in Guyana, highlighting its balanced calendar of local and international events, across both male and female competitions. He assured the Federation that the NSC stands firmly behind its goals and aspirations.

Ninvalle also reminded that the GBF was named Sports Association of the Year for 2024 at the National Sports Awards, describing the honour as a testament to the work being done under the leadership of President Michael Singh.

The NSC has indicated that it will continue its engagement with all national sporting bodies, as it works to strengthen governance, performance and development across Guyana’s sporting sector.