**Dear Editor,**
News of former NBA player Rick Fox announcing that he wants to run for the House of Assembly in the upcoming general election has gained traction internationally.
I remember when Fox was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991 where he had the privilege of playing with the legendary Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. His stint with the Los Angeles Lakers would solidify his basketball career, when he took part in that team’s triangle offense that included Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant.
The trio led Los Angeles to three consecutive NBA titles between 2000 and 2002. I would argue that Fox’s NBA career was more accomplished than that of his Bahamian NBA predecessor Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson. While Thompson had the distinction of being the very first foreigner to be drafted first overall in the NBA by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1978, and while he did win two NBA championships with Ervin “Magic” Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988, his role with the Lakers was marginal at best.
Conversely, Fox was a bonafide starter for Phil Jackson’s talented unit that struck fear in opposing teams. Fox was also successful at the collegiate level, helping to lead the North Carolina Tar Heels to the 1991 Final Four tournament.
I am honored that Fox desires to take part in Bahamian politics. I am even more honored as a Bahamian that he desires to serve in the House of Assembly. Rather than questioning his citizenship, the Bahamian people should embrace Fox.
Comments by Tourism Minister Chester Cooper and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell suggest to this writer that certain big wigs within the Progressive Liberal Party seem to be threatened by Fox. So far, I have heard nothing from Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis that would suggest to me that he takes umbrage with Fox for engaging in politics despite his diplomatic post.
Fox was right to point out that while he is being held to a different standard, Sebas Bastian, who is also an ambassador, is actively seeking to succeed Alfred Sears in Fort Charlotte as MP.
If Fox was a supporter of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), it would now appear that whatever goodwill existed between him and the party has all but evaporated. At this point, I cannot imagine Fox and Mitchell sitting in the same Cabinet or parliamentary caucus meeting, as it would present an awkward situation for both men.
I think this strained relationship has opened the door for the Free National Movement (FNM) to woo Fox into its tent. I think it was a clever move by FNM Leader Michael Pintard to court the former NBA player, as his amalgamation with the FNM would give to that party a much-needed shot in the arm.
Let’s be honest; the FNM is struggling to gain momentum. It has lost three elections dating back to September 2021. Another general election loss would in all probability signal the end of Pintard’s tenure as FNM Leader.
With Fox in the mix, interest in the FNM would rise among tens of thousands of otherwise disinterested young voters. The FNM needs to be bullish in pursuing Fox. His international celebrity status and accomplishments in professional basketball and in the film industry are impressive.
I can envision Fox wooing thousands of swing voters and even some of the FNMs from the Minnis camp who have been a thorn in the side of Pintard to the FNM.
Fox has the clout internationally to help propel The Bahamas forward. If elected to Parliament, that in itself would make headlines internationally, giving The Bahamas free advertisement. Some of the ideas he has expressed are very innovative. His desire for political transparency and to inspire Bahamians to relinquish their apathy for the electoral process are admirable.
Pintard and the FNM should leave no stone unturned in pursuing Fox. He would be a welcome addition to the FNM and to Bahamian politics.
_— Kevin Evans_