Chester Cooper

Summary

Isaac Chester Cooper (born 29 July 1970) is a Bahamian Progressive Liberal Party politician serving as Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas to Philip Davis and Minister of Tourism and Aviation since September 2021.[1] He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for The Exumas and Ragged Island since 2017.

Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas
Assumed office
17 September 2021
Prime MinisterPhilip Davis
Preceded byDesmond Bannister
Minister of Tourism and Aviation
Assumed office
17 September 2021
Preceded byDionisio D'Aguilar
Member of Parliament
for The Exumas and Ragged Island
Assumed office
2017
Preceded byAnthony Moss
Personal details
Born (1970-07-29) 29 July 1970 (age 53)
Forbes Hill, Exuma, The Bahamas
SpouseCecelia Cooper
Children3
Alma materAcadia University
Nova Southeastern University
Harvard University

Early life edit

Cooper was born and raised in Forbes Hill, Little Exuma, the youngest of 12 children to the Reverends Eulon and Louise Cooper. His father passed away when he was 5.[2] He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Nova Southeastern University in 1995.

Career edit

Before going into politics, Cooper worked in finance. He became the Chairman and CEO of BAF Global Group and President and CEO of BAF Financial & Insurance Ltd.

In November 2016, Cooper was ratified as the PLP candidate for the Exumas and Ragged Island in the 2017 general election. He was one of four PLP candidates to win or retain their seat that election. Whilst in Opposition, he became Deputy Leader of the PLP to Leader Philip Davis. As the PLP won the 2021 general election, it was confirmed Cooper would remain in his post and was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister. He was also appointed Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation.[3]

Personal life edit

He is married to Cecillia; they have three children. He selects a charity a year to donate his MP salary to.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ "The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. I. Chester Cooper". Bahamas. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Acceptance Remarks by Chester Cooper on His Ratification as the PLP Candidate for Exuma and Ragged Island". Bahamas Local. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Pm Receives Instrument Of Appointment, Deputy Pm Chester Cooper Named Minister Of Tourism, Investment And Aviation". Tribune. 18 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Cooper grants salary to Forbes Hill Cultural Center". Writeups 24. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.

External links edit

  • PLP profile