Former NBA star Rick Fox has been officially ratified as the Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate for Garden Hills in the next Bahamian general election, despite months of publicly criticizing both major parties and hinting at a possible independent run.
Fox revealed that his three-year contract as an ambassador-at-large, a government-appointed diplomatic role, was not renewed when it expired in 2024, despite earlier calls from PLP chairman Fred Mitchell for him to step aside.
He was among 12 candidates ratified at the FNM headquarters on Mackey Street, bringing the party’s slate to 39 candidates as preparations for the upcoming election accelerate. The next election is due by September this year.
Speaking after his ratification, Fox said he felt “overwhelmed but grateful” for the trust placed in him to represent Garden Hills. He explained that his decision to enter politics now was motivated by the struggles facing Bahamians — experiences he claims he has lived firsthand.
“The urgency increased. I don’t have time to wait until I’m 65 to maybe entertain the idea of getting into frontline and being part of the policy changes,” he said.
Fox, who has frequently used social media to call for political reform, transparency, and national development, emphasized that his criticism has always been aimed at the political system rather than individuals.
“This is the first time I’ll be doing this job so I don’t know what that’s like to do so I have a lot of respect for the people that have put themselves forward in service,” he said. “It’s not about criticising them. It’s about looking at the results we got in the system and realizing that across the board, it’s not an easy system to operate in and to run.”
Asked why he chose to enter politics now, Fox said:
“So, why now? I met the leader and I got to know him.”
He also addressed previous reports that he was interested in running in St James, noting that discussions with FNM leader Mr Pintard focused on broader strategy:
“It’s not about me and where I want to serve. The focus was on where the team could be most effective.”
Regarding his prior diplomatic role, Fox added:
“I move like an ambassador always so if he’s looking at me and he sees an ambassador representing the people of The Bahamas, I’ve been doing that for 30 years so maybe he is confused. Maybe you should ask him why he didn’t know that I had resigned or hadn’t extended my contract because it was confusing to me as well.”
Other candidates ratified at the event included FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright for St James, Carlton Bowleg for Bimini and the Berry Islands, Jay Philippe for Bains and Grants Town, Jamal Moss for St Barnabas, Janice Oliver for North Andros, Mike Holmes for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, Dr Charlene Reid for Pineridge, Darvin Russell for Centreville, Julian Gibson for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, and Gadville McDonald for Nassau Village.
 candidate for Garden Hills in the next Bahamian general election.){kind=link}