Former NBA champion Rick Fox has hinted he is mulling a political run.
“I've been hearing from a lot of you lately asking if I'm thinking about politics ... if I'd consider running in the next general election," said Fox in a Facebook post on Sunday.
“Truth is, I didn't expect so many people to care. But l've been having real conversations with women, youth, business owners, everyday Bahamians and I keep hearing the same thing: We're ready for something different."
He added, “I'm not making any announcements, but I'll say this, I love this country deeply, and I believe our best days are ahead if we come together with vision and purpose.
“So, for now, l'm just listening, reflecting and exploring what the next chapter could look like.”
Fox, a 56-year-old Bahamian, who is also of Canadian heritage, is a three-time NBA Champion, and actor.
On Monday, he responded to a Nassau Guardian question on what his vision is for the country.
"My vision if I were to ever get into frontline politics would be to see us realize our potential as a nation in the areas we have significant room for improvement. I see more results in food security, energy cost, education, and healthcare with diversification of our economy beyond tourism," he said.
Fox was also asked what kind of leadership he would offer.
He responded, "In every arena I have competed in I’ve been a winner by bringing out the best in my teammates while facilitating and defending for the team. I was the captain for two of the most iconic basketball teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, where I was the captain of 3 NBA Championships.
"When leading teams I am a no-nonsense, no excuses captain. We work hard, we work smart, and we work together, putting the team/ business or in this case the country first. Every day we would be prepared to deliver results The goal would be clear: our nation rising, people thriving, and our potential unlocked."
In 2022, Fox was appointed ambassador at large for sports.
After his appointment he said in a social media post: "Thank you Prime Minister [Philip] Davis for your trust and this amazing honor of representing the great Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Through your appointment of me as an ambassador at large, you honor my father Ulrick William Fox, and for that I am deeply moved with gratitude."
Fox's father was a Bahamian.
In November 2022, Davis announced the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Rick Fox's sustainable building development company, Partanna Bahamas, to build up to 1,000 green homes over the next three years.
With a promise to provide 100 jobs for Bahamians in the green development space, Partanna Bahamas – which has invested $50 million so far to establish a manufacturing plant – intends to design, develop, finance and construct 30 affordable homes for the government of The Bahamas during an initial pilot phase, the government said at the time.
However, the initiative never bore fruit.
Fox's recent indication that he is considering a political run left many social media users wondering about his political affiliation, but he did not reveal whether his consideration includes aligning with any of the existing parties, making an independent run, or forming a political grouping of his own.
He told The Nassau Guardian when asked, "I am focused on being aligned with the Bahamian people."
If Fox decides to enter the political arena, he would be the second ambassador to do so.
Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Central America, is seeking the Progressive Liberal Party's nomination for Fort Charlotte.
A general election is constitutionally due in 2026.