17/05/2026
BIOGRAPHY OF ISAAC CHESTER COOPER, MP EXUMA & RAGGED ISLAND
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER,
MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The Honourable I. Chester Cooper is a Bahamian businessman, author and politician currently serving as Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas following the Progressive Liberal Party’s historic re-election victory in the 2026 General Election. Until the swearing in of the new Cabinet on May 15, 2026, he served as Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, overseeing the nation’s leading economic sectors during a period of unprecedented growth, investment and global recovery.
A native of Forbes Hill, Little Exuma, Cooper was first elected Member of Parliament for Exuma & Ragged Island in 2017 and has now secured a historic third consecutive term in office under the mantra “Always Fighting for You,” a slogan that has become synonymous with his energetic grassroots style, accessibility and hands-on approach to representation.
He also serves as Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, a position he has held since 2017, and has built a reputation nationally as a fearless and articulate parliamentarian known for his commanding presence and passionate advocacy on behalf of Bahamians.
Before entering frontline politics, Cooper established himself as one of the region’s most accomplished business executives, with experience spanning financial services, insurance, commercial real estate, retail and fintech. His academic and professional journey took him through The Bahamas, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, including work with major international financial institutions in Nassau, Dublin and Luxembourg.
As Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Cooper played a central role in positioning The Bahamas as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations, helping to deliver three consecutive years of record-breaking tourism arrivals, expanded international airlift, increased foreign direct investment and stronger Family Island economic participation. Widely regarded as the architect of the Davis administration’s airport renaissance initiative, he also spearheaded an ambitious national aviation strategy that will see 19 airports across The Bahamas rebuilt, renovated or expanded — one of the most significant aviation infrastructure undertakings in modern Bahamian history.
His leadership earned regional recognition, including being named Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the organization and, in August 2025, was elected Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly representing the Americas region.
Raised as the youngest of twelve children, Cooper often credits his upbringing for instilling humility, resilience and a deep respect for hard work, faith and family. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, education and cultural preservation, particularly in the Family Islands, he has consistently championed policies aimed at expanding opportunity, strengthening Bahamian identity and ensuring inclusive national development.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper is married to Cecillia Cooper and together they have three children.
