Front Row (L-R): Rezia Retemyer, Calix Bernard, Shanna Chester, Leona Kyte, Ronaldo Teixeira, Zian Gray, Warren Wilson.
Back Row (L-R): Patrick Clarke, Treyon Grenville, Felipe Valenzuela (Instructor), Dexter Douglas, Shayne Joseph, Dennis Clarke, Kelvin Simon.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – July 6, 2026 – The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), in collaboration with FIBA Americas, successfully concluded a comprehensive one-day referee workshop on July 5, 2026, aimed at elevating officiating standards ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

Held at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards in Sophia, the clinic brought together a diverse cohort of referees from across the nation, representing key basketball bodies including the Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC), Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA), and other regional leagues. The intensive session was led by esteemed FIBA Instructor Mr. Felipe Valenzuela of Chile, who guided participants through the intricacies of modern basketball officiating.

“This workshop is a critical step in ensuring our referees are prepared to perform at an international standard,” said Sileena Arjune, GBF Technical Director. “The knowledge and mechanics shared by Instructor Valenzuela will not only benefit the upcoming Pre-Qualifiers but will also strengthen the foundation of refereeing in Guyana for years to come.”

The curriculum blended theoretical instruction, video analysis, and live on-court demonstrations. Topics covered ranged from technical mechanics—including whistle usage and game management to court coverage and operational protocols. The interactive format allowed referees to refine their judgment, positioning, and consistency, ensuring alignment with FIBA’s international standards.

Instructor Valenzuela praised the dedication of the Guyanese referees, noting their eagerness to learn and adapt. The workshop also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among officials from various regional associations.

Looking ahead, the GBF has proposed implementing a hybrid model for future clinics to accommodate referees from overseas and hinterland regions who were unable to attend due to prior commitments. This recommendation aims to enhance inclusivity and widen participation in upcoming training sessions.

The GBF extended its gratitude to FIBA Americas, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, and the GBOC for their invaluable support in making the clinic a success.