Chester Cooper
The Exumas and Ragged Island · Exuma
Biography
I am Chester Cooper, a strong God-fearing son of Forbes Hill, Little Exuma. I serve as Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, and the Member of Parliament for Exuma and Ragged Island. Before entering politics, I built my career in financial services, FinTech, Retail and Real Estate, where I learned the value of hard work, innovation, and integrity. I grew up in poverty, overcame obstacles and did exceedingly well. I entered public service to help create opportunity for Bahamians and to ensure communities like Exuma and Ragged Island continue to grow and prosper.I’m running because I believe deeply in the potential of our people and our islands. The progress we are seeing in Exuma, Ragged Island, and across The Bahamas shows what is possible when leadership is focused on results. I want to continue building on that momentum—strengthening our communities, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every Bahamian family. For me, progress means ensuring that the people of The Family Islands continue to see real improvements in their daily lives. It means stronger infrastructure, modernized airports and ports, improved education, healthcare and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Progress also means protecting the character of our islands while creating pathways for young people to build successful futures at home.
Key Initiatives Delivered and Ongoing in the Constituency
Delivering measurable progress through action, accountability, and continued commitment to our community.
SOAR-ing Together
A Four-Pillar Strategy for Security, Opportunity, Affordability, and Reform
Strengthening Security
Key Public Safety & Community Updates Read more • 379 new correctional officers • 26% decrease in homicides • Record repatriations • Over 300 immigration officers hired • Unregulated community demolitions • Clear Hold Build initiative • New Community Center in Nassau Village (Freetown and Centreville on the way) • Sent out the first Marco’s Alert
Making Life More Affordable
Social & Cost of Living Initiatives Read more • Import duty eliminated on dozens of food categories • NHI expansion • Prescription drug plan expansion • Catastrophic care fund • Affordable new homes
Expanding Opportunities
National Development Initiatives Read more • National Apprentice Programme • BTVI expansion to Family Islands • $600 million Grand Bahama Shipyard expansion • Tens of millions for small Bahamian-owned businesses • Public Service Professional Engagement Programme • Family Island development (new airports, roads, clinics, waterworks) – including hundreds of millions of dollars toward the construction and upgrade of airports and runways throughout the country • Nationwide energy reforms
Working to Reform Government
Governance & Economic Reform Initiatives Read more • Health insurance for all public servants • One Tax Bahamas platform • Land registration reform • EU blacklist removal
Follow
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)