Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard said yesterday that it was “regrettable” that the Progressive Liberal Party has taken “potshots” at retired NBA player Rick Fox.
Fox has said he intends to run in the next general election in The Bahamas.
“I think he has a tremendous amount that he can contribute to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” Pintard said yesterday outside Parliament.
“It’s regrettable that the deputy prime minister and the PLP would have taken potshots at him, referencing, again, his time competing for Canada.
“We have many Bahamians across the globe who are doing incredible things, and some have done some things under different banners, but they’ve remained loyal to The Bahamas, and we should reward that.”
Asked if the FNM is hoping to cash in on Fox’s celebrity status to win over voters, Pintard said, “It’s not about cashing in, it’s about providing any talent that would be able to move us forward.
“We are prepared to talk to Bahamians locally and abroad who wish to contribute to the empowerment of Bahamians.”
Pintard also noted that he has a good relationship with Fox and is in constant communication with him.
Fox’s announcement prompted mixed reactions, with some calling for Fox to step down from his role as ambassador.
The next general election is set for some time in 2026.
When asked about Fox, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper recently said, “If Rick is a Bahamian, he is free to run for politics.
“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 ambassador-at-large, has said that he has met with both the FNM and PLP about possibly joining one of them.
He noted that Pintard has been the most aggressive in pursuing him.
The NBA legend, who played with the Los Angeles Lakers with the late Kobe Bryant and Shaq, has been vocal on social media about his views on Bahamian politics.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has said that diplomats who do not support the government’s mandate know what must be done.
Fox rejected Mitchell’s comments and said he has no intention of resigning.