It is quite heartwarming the amount of love and support that continues to be issued to Shafiqua Maloney since the infamous SportsMax interview. I am of the belief that every Vincentian home and abroad are all pleased with the amount of support that corporate SVG and the government continue to offer Maloney in her quest for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games later this year. This only highlights the need for corporate SVG and the government to accept the need for corporate social responsibility.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) ultimately implies that a company is responsible for assessment of their wider impact on society, and these demands on business’ to address and respond to social concerns are an increasingly important component of modern business and an instrumental aspect of CSR (Carroll, 1999).
year.
For this reason, I am begging the government and corporate SVG to not only use this opportunity to build prestige and earn mileage, but to understand the need for proactive actions to be taken to avoid a repeat of this unfortunate situation.
Prudently, I am hoping that corporate SVG, as well as the government see the need for well thought out and effective community and societal outreach programs. These programs may be in the form of community improvements, employee/player volunteerism, or educational initiatives designed to target the development of our sporting ambassadors.
It is time for the government and corporate SVG to embrace and accept the need for some form of socially responsible behaviour. After-all, the people vote the government into office to serve them, and corporate SVG continues to make their fortunes once the people continue to consume their goods and services.
Social responsibility continues to become increasingly prevalent in the sport industry.
Some noteworthy examples of CSR include:
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has made significant investments regarding social responsibility, “more than 40 percent of FIFA’s income goes directly towards supporting the grassroots of the game, development work, and partnerships with relief organizations” (FIFA Activity Report, 2002-2004, p. 66).
Through their foundation, Reebok sponsors a Human Rights Award providing $50,000 grants to recipients.
Nike’s Fair Labor Standards Act promotes sound worldwide labor practices. Nike’s presidents Mark Parker and Charlie Denson maintain that CSR challenges their organization to take a good, hard look at their business model, and understand the company’s impact on the world around it (Nike, 2006).
Now, it would be unfair of me to think or say that such actions are not being taken in SVG. I am aware of the handful of businesses that takes CSR seriously. This appeal is only to implore a whole lot more to join such great acts and help our future leaders along the way proactively.
In conclusion, as we just witnessed the climax of all athletics events in SVG, I am hoping that our future Shafiqua Maloneys ( Keo Davis, Aj Delpesche, Zichri Hepburn, Tyhra Charles, Arika Hooper, J’aivar Cato, Samaya Connel, Kirtney Franklyn and Recardo Williams) were all watched with a hawk’s eye. I am hoping that they would be paid closer attention and receive adequate assistance from the government and corporate SVG as they continue on their journey to becoming future Olympians. Don’t wait for another embarrassing interview in order for you to react.
Concerned Vincentian,
Troy Prince.
