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Bahamas Ambassador-at-Large and former NBA star Rick Fox hit back after Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper reportedly suggested he believed Fox was Canadian rather than Bahamian.
In a pointed statement, Fox said he was not surprised by the remark. He expressed concern about the message such a claim sends to young Bahamians, especially those living abroad who may one day want to return home and contribute to the Bahamas.
“What alarms me deeply is that the Minister of Tourism chose to send a demoralizing message to the next generation of Bahamians who aspire to come home, contribute, serve, and use their global success to elevate the brand of the Bahamas for all of us,” Fox said.
He questioned what precedent is being set if Bahamians who challenge leadership or call for accountability suddenly find their loyalty or citizenship under scrutiny.
“If that is the message being sent, that the moment you speak up, your nationality can be questioned, then this is not just a personal attack on me. It is a threat to our country’s future,” Fox added.
Cooper was asked by reporters about his thoughts on Fox’s potential run in the next election: “If Rick is a Bahamian, he is free to run for politics,” Cooper said. “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 highlighted what he described as three decades of global work in professional sports, business, entertainment, entrepreneurship, climate technology, and diplomacy, all of which he says delivered measurable value tied to the Bahamas.
He also referenced Prime Minister Philip Davis’ decision to appoint him Ambassador-at-Large, stating that his contributions were validated before the appointment.
“The Prime Minister understood the value of leveraging Bahamians with global reach,” Fox stated, adding that his work and impact can be substantiated through internationally recognised standards.
Fox, appointed by the Davis-Cooper administration, said he would run as a contender in the next general election. However, he has not formally announced what party he will align with.
Photo credit: Tribune and US Weekly