Name: Ricia Collette

ID#: 400014475

Course Code: SPSC 2030

Course Name: Ethics in Sport

Instructor: Rudolph Alleyne

Due Date: 25 March, 2024

Essay Assignment

Important ethical issues in sport in the Caribbean

-Discrimination-
 Sports play a vital role in the Caribbean, fostering community cohesion, promoting

physical well-being, and serving as a source of national pride. However, the Caribbean is not

exempted from the challenges that arise, such as discrimination in the form of sexual

orientation/identity, and gender-based and socio-economic discrimination. This essay will

explore these forms of discrimination present in the Caribbean, and discuss the importance of

dismantling these barriers to foster a more inclusive environment that creates a platform for

unity, equality, and fair competition.

One significant issue is the prevalence of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in the

sports world. These prejudices can take many different forms, such as bullying, exclusion, and

verbal abuse. Concerns about prejudice, rejection, and retaliation from teammates, coaches, and

fans can also make LGBTQ+ athletes afraid to come out. More times than not, an athlete’s talent

is disregarded if they choose to proudly state their orientation or identity.

The Caribbean has seen numerous cases of discrimination against LGBTQ+ athletes,

demonstrating how widespread this problem is. After coming out as gay in 2019, Jamaican

sprinter Dwayne Evans received negative feedback from fans and sportsmen on social media,

including homophobic comments and insulting remarks. Similar to this, Toni Hanna-King, a

talented football player from Trinidad and Tobago, was subjected to discrimination and was not

selected for the national team after revealing her gender identity as a trans woman. These

instances highlight the difficulties and dangers LGBTQ+ athletes encounter when they decide to

disclose their identities publicly in Caribbean sports.

It is no surprise that a next marginalised group in the world of sport is women. In

comparison to their male counterparts, they might be paid less, have less access to resources and

funding, and receive less media attention. Sports like football, cricket, and athletics show this
discrepancy. Examples of this can be seen throughout many caribbean female cricket teams;

causing athletes to quit due to the unfair treatment. Other instances include the lack of funding

for women's sports infrastructure and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in

sports organisations.

Though the Caribbean is known for it’s diversity of cultures and people, racial

discrimination is still common, and athletes, especially those of African heritage, frequently

encounter prejudice and discriminatory assumptions. For example, bias in sponsorship

opportunities, selection procedures, and officiating may be targetted towards black athletes.

Despite his extraordinary talent and accomplishments, sprinter Usain Bolt was the victim of

racial discrimination; this case highlights the difficulties black athletes in the Caribbean face.

Of course, athletes of different racial backgrounds may be the victims of discriminatorylanguage

and behaviours, but the incidents involving athletes of a darker hue are more prevalent.

Socioeconomic discrimination in sports is a serious ethical issue that undermines the

values of fairness and equal opportunity. When athletes face discrimination or prejudice because

of their socioeconomic status, it creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages those who do

not have the same financial resources or support systems. This discrimination can limit access to

training facilities, coaching, equipment, and opportunities for advancement, reducing the ability

of talented individuals to thrive in their chosen sport. Furthermore, it perpetuates social and

economic inequalities by giving individuals from wealthier backgrounds greater access to

resources and opportunities in sports, widening the gap between those who have and the less

fortunate.

It is critical to address this issue so that sports continue to be a showcase for talent and

dedication rather than a privilege reserved for a select few. Furthermore, the lack of sports
programmes and facilities may worsen social issues such as youth delinquency, obesity, and

mental health problems, compromising community well-being.

Discrimination in Caribbean sports is a complex issue that requires joint efforts to

resolve. By addressing racial, gender, LGBTQ+, and socioeconomic discrimination, as well as

acknowledging and advocating for change, Caribbean stakeholders can create a more inclusive

and equitable sporting environment. Embracing diversity, providing equal opportunities, and

fostering a culture of respect and acceptance will not only improve athletes' sporting experiences,

but will also promote social progress and regional unity.

References:

Caribbean Vulnerable Communities. (2019). Study on violence, discrimination, and exclusion

experienced by LGBTI people in the Caribbean: Final report. Retrieved from

https://www.iglhrc.org/sites/default/files/111-4.pdf

Jamaica Gleaner. (2019, August 16). Dwayne Evans to Jamaican sports stars: ‘Come out, come

out wherever you are’. Retrieved from

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20190816/dwayne-evans-jamaican-sports-stars-come-o

ut-come-out-wherever-you-are

Outsports. (2020, January 28). Footballer tells Trinidad & Tobago: ‘I am a transgender woman’.

Retrieved from

https://www.outsports.com/2020/1/28/21112350/toni-hanna-king-transgender-soccer-tt-womens-

national-team-trinidad-tobago

Reams, E. (2019, September 9). For gay and trans athletes in the Caribbean, competing means

risking everything. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from

https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-09-09/gay-trans-athletes-sports-caribbean-discrimina

tion