BVI Olympic Committee avoids basketball drama

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has stated that it will not get involved in the matter that has led to the ongoing issues within the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF).

Members of the BVIBF have been at odds for some months, mainly due to electoral issues within the federation.

Although the BVIOC oversees the basketball body, a statement from its president Ephraim Penn, said the Committee will maintain complete impartiality in the matter as it does not have jurisdiction over the electoral process of the BVIBF.

“Our role as a National Olympic Committee is to support and promote the development of sports in the BVI while maintaining a neutral stance on the internal affairs of individual sports federations,” the BVIOC statement said.

The statement also said: “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. While the BVIOC is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, it is essential to clarify that we do not have jurisdiction over the electoral process of the BVIBF.”

According to the BVIOC, they’ve given the BVIBF executive guidance and recommendations aimed at achieving a transparent and amicable resolution. It said the BVIBF may look to its regional governing body and the International Basketball Federation for additional guidance.

Basketball remains a top sport within the Virgin Islands and recently got fresh attention when Cane Garden Bay’s D’Moi Hodge was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.

It is still unclear whether the current impasse within the federation will affect the development of the sport locally.