ambassador

Since former NBA champion, actor and businessman, and ambassador Rick Fox, who has Bahamian roots, announced his intention to enter Bahamian politics ahead of the next general election, it instantly sparked debate.

Fox’s name recognition and influence can make him one of the most recognizable potential candidates on the political ticket. His pursuit of a candidacy has raised questions: Is he really Bahamian? And will his fame transfer into a successful politician?

Bahamian elections favor candidates with deep Bahamian ties, presence, and strong party backing, and some with a clear record of constituency work. And voters often prioritize whom they are familiar and party loyalty.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper questioned whether or not Fox was Bahamian or Canadian. “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.”

Around the world, celebrity candidates have entered politics and have been successful. Individuals like George Weah of Liberia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and Arnold Schwarzenegger of California have successfully translated fame into political power.

Fox enters the political arena with several advantages: His name is easily recognized, he may have a strong appeal to younger voters, and his messages to social media focus on transparency, opportunities, and economic development, an appeal to Bahamians desiring better.

These factors could allow him to quickly gain attention and build momentum.

Fox, like some candidates, doesn’t have experience in governance and will need to choose between joining a structured political party or running independently.

It remains to be seen which constituency Fox runs in, which party he chooses to align himself with, and how he balances celebrity status with political endeavors.

Fox’s potential candidacy highlights perhaps a shift in modern Bahamian politics, an arena common for traditional politics.

Former NBA champion-turned-ambassador Rick Fox says his move into Bahamian politics is driven by purpose and was encouraged by longtime friend and former teammate Shaquille O’Neal.

Fox grew up partly in the Bahamas before moving to Canada, and he has publicly confirmed he plans to run as a candidate in the next general election.

During a recent visit to the Bahamas, Fox said O’Neal told him, “Brother, you know I loved your dad. He would be proud. You know I love the Bahamas, because of the people. I know you can make life better for your people. Don’t just do, dominate it. Break a backboard in the process if you have to. Dominate.”

Questions have been raised about Fox’s eligibility and nationality. On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper told reporters he saw no problem.

“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.”

O’neal was seen last week walking through the Mall of Marathon and a picture circulated of him with former Minister of National Security and the Free National Movement’s candidate for Mt Moriah Marvin Dames.

Fox’s political stance and his criticism of the government’s delay in completing road works ahead of a by-election drew ire from some supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party.

In response, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell recently said anyone appointed by the government who publicly criticises it should resign. Fox fired back, saying he will not give up his ambassadorial role because he represents the Bahamian people.

In social-media posts, Fox has called for greater transparency, economic development, and integrity in Bahamian politics.

So far, he has not confirmed which party he will join or whether he will stand as an independent.

“As I lace up for the road ahead, I may need a pair of his size 22s, because the footprint I want to leave for the Bahamas is going to be big.”

The US Senate approved former NFL player Herschel Walker as the US Ambassador to the Bahamas—the first US ambassador appointment since 2011.

Walker, a close friend of President Donald Trump, was confirmed in a 51-47 vote on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The Bahamas is a neighboring partner of the United States, but has been without an ambassador for 14 years.

Every U.S. ambassador helps shape the tone of the US-Bahamas relationship.

But Herschel Walker’s appointment is unconventional. He is an ally of President Donald Trump; a one-time Senate candidate who lost in a scandal-ridden bid in 2022; a former National Football League player and Heisman Trophy winner — but not a career diplomat.

The big picture

Ambassador appointments are often political rewards and a ‘thank-you’ to the president’s loyal supporters.

Walker can use his athletic and political connections to boost U.S.–Bahamas partnerships in tourism, sports, or trade.

The Bahamas faces complex issues, including illegal migration from Haiti and climate vulnerability, which will require a level of diplomatic expertise.

What’s at stake?

Walker’s status could be a bridge to open new connections in culture and sports, or he could fumble as a diplomat.

The bottom line

Herschel Walker’s appointment could redefine how the Bahamas sees its most powerful neighbor, and Walker’s appointment is an indication of how seriously the US takes its relationship with the Bahamas.

Featured picture: Getty Image

When President Donald Trump announced Herschel Walker as the newest US ambassador to the Bahamas, it was surprising.

Walker is a longtime friend of Trump and known for his athleticism on the football field but made his mark on the political scene when he ran for a Senate seat in Georgia in 2022 against Ralph Warnock, but was unsuccessful–due in part to allegations of paid abortions while running as an anti-abortion candidate.

Here’s what to know about Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker acclaimed fame as a star running back for the Georgia Bulldogs, winning the Heisman trophy in 1982, and spent his first few years of professional ball in the United States Football League before it moved on to the NFL.

At 62, he graduated last week from the University of Georgia and completed his degree in housing management and policy, 42 years after he played his last college football season there in 1982.

Walker joined the New Jersey Generals, a United States Football League team that was owned at the time, by Trump. Trump said in his book, “The Art of the Deal” that he often criticized the team’s coach for not properly utilizing Walker’s talent on the field.

Walker is new to ambassadorship and has no previous diplomatic experience, and neither does he have any obvious relations to the Bahamas.

The United States has not had a permanent ambassador to the Bahamas in over ten years, with several nominees stuck in limbo because the Senate never approved their appointments.

Photo credit: AP