A Canadian-born, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star has announced plans to run in general elections in The Bahamas next year, using his decades of association with the country and Bahamian naturalization to make a bid for parliament.
Rick Fox, a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and a well-known actor, unveiled his plans to become a lawmaker this week but left many in the archipelago off Florida wondering whether he will declare for the governing Progressive Labor Party (PLP) of Prime Minister Phillip Davis or the Free National Movement of opposition leader Michael Pintard. Fox has said that he has already met with the leadership of both parties and will decide in the coming weeks as to how he will proceed. Elections are expected next year, but preparations are advancing at a frenetic pace, especially since the PLP recently won a crucial by-election, in one of the outlying islands. Both parties had stated that that poll was seen as a major barometer for the general elections constitutionally due by the last quarter of next year.
Fox, born to a Canadian mother and Afro Bahamian father, currently serves as a sports ambassador to the nation. He was appointed by the current administration. He first moved to The Caribbean Community nation as a seven-year-old and has maintained strong links ever since.
Fox announced his plans via a social media post this week.
“For months, I’ve been listening closely to the hopes and frustrations of my fellow Bahamians,” he wrote. “One truth is clear: The future of The Bahamas will depend on the choices we make right now. You’ve shared that you want more transparency, a modern economy that prioritizes affordability and security, and a country where opportunity is our reality, not just a promise. I share that vision. And I’m stepping forward today because we cannot wait any longer to realize a Bahamas that we all envision is possible.”
He said that the FNM has been aggressively pursuing him to run as a candidate, but he has not made any decision as yet.
“We will embrace innovation, education, security and opportunity as the pillars of our future,” he said. “We will build a future where Bahamians can compete, influence, and lead globally without having to ever leave home. We will trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. We will not lean on our own understanding and in all of our ways, we will acknowledge him and he will direct our path. As a candidate and as a leader for The Bahamas, I will demand transparency, honesty, integrity while demanding a level of excellence from all of us.”
