By Gerrino Saunders
Bahama Journal News Editor
While Bahamians have long complained that The Bahamas has not had a United States Ambassador since the Obama administration appointed Nicole Avant who demitted office in November 2011, the nomination of Herschel Walker is receiving mixed reactions in The Bahamas.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement on social media this past Tuesday indicating that he would nominate Walker to be the next Ambassador to The Bahamas. However, this nomination will take place after the President is sworn in on 20th January, 2025 and will require approval by the United States Senate.
More importantly, the Government of The Bahamas would have to agree to this nomination. So far, it is understood that no official representation has been made by Diplomatic Note to the Bahamian government. The nomination will require approval by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis.
Many Bahamians have commented on the various controversies in which Mr. Walker was involved in during his recent bid to win a Senate seat in the state of Georgia. Comments by Walker and the activities of his personal life haunted him during his campaign. U.S. political analysts described Herschel Walker’s campaign as turbulent and doomed. They said that he was a candidate with money problems and was evasive about his past which contributed to problems in the Georgia State campaign. Walker was defeated by Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock.
One political observer in The Bahamas said all of these things must be taken into consideration. Throughout the country, the nomination by Trump is seen to be very controversial.
Walker, who has no previous diplomatic experience has had a relationship with Mr. Trump which stems back to the 1980’s.
In the statement on social media, Mr. Trump touted Walker’s athletic record as part of his qualifications for the appointment.
He said, “Herschel has spent decades serving as an ambassador to our nation’s youth, our men and women in the military, and athletes at home and abroad. Congratulations Herschel, you will make Georgia, and our entire nation proud, because we know you will always put America First.”
During Trump’s first term in office Walker was a co-chairman of the President’s council on sports, fitness, nutrition and mental health issues.
In recent years mental health has become a major concern for local officials who have reported a sharp rise in both suicide attempts and successful suicides this year.
According to Trump, Walker has travelled to over 400 Military installations around the world, removing the stigma of mental health.
During the weekly press briefing at the Office of The Prime Minister Press Secretary Keishla Adderly was asked about the government’s views on the proposed appointment of Mr. Walker.
She said, “the administration is very pleased that the appointment of a new U.S. Ambassador appears to be eminent, of course that is pending confirmation.
“This is something the administration has lobbied for and is happy to see the reinstatement of a U.S. representation in The Bahamas in its highest form for the first time since the Obama administration.”
Mr. Walker was a staunch opponent of abortion and faced claims that he paid for two women to have abortions after getting them pregnant, which he denied.
He was also widely known for making blunders on policy issues and confusing comments including one particularly peculiar one that pertained to werewolves and vampires.
Adderley was asked about the quality of Trump’s pick for Ambassador to The Bahamas.
“The appointee is at the prerogative of the United States of America, we are happy to work with whoever that appointee maybe,” she said.
“We are of course looking to ensure that the mutual interests of both countries are observed and that we continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship that we have shared over the many decades,” Mrs. Smith said.
