Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said he has no issue with NBA legend Rick Fox entering The Bahamas’ political arena after Fox confirmed last week that he intends to run in the next general election.
“If Rick is a Bahamian, he is free to run for politics,” Cooper said yesterday.
“I don’t know what his nationality is.
“I always thought he was Canadian, but if he is Bahamian, he can certainly offer himself for politics in The Bahamas.”
Fox, who is also an actor, ambassador and businessman, said last week that he will be a candidate in the next general election, but he did not disclose which constituency he intends to run in.
Despite revealing that he has met with both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM), Fox also did not say if he intends to run with a political party or independently.
The former NBA player’s announcement prompted mixed reactions, with some calling for Fox to step down from his role as ambassador.
When asked about whether he feels Fox should step down, the deputy prime minister directed the press to pose the question to Prime Minister Philip Davis.
“Ambassadors are appointed by the prime minister,” Cooper said.
“You can certainly speak with the prime minister about his position as it relates to that matter.”
Fox has said that his political ambitions are larger than “party politics”.
In a social media post, he pledged that as a candidate, he will demand transparency, honesty, and integrity.
Fox added that he has been listening closely to the needs and frustrations of Bahamians for months.
“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,” Fox said.
“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.”
The next general election is due in 2026.