Biography
Born on the 29th July, 1970, he is the youngest of twelve children to the late Rev. Eulon and Rev. Louise Cooper in Forbes Hill, Exuma, The Hon. I Chester Cooper learnt about the challenges of life at an early age. His father, the family’s breadwinner, died when he was five.
His early struggles caused him to be courageous, resilient and humble.
After graduating from Acadia University in Nova Scotia with a BA in Economics and Finance, Cooper continued his studies at Florida’s Nova University, earning an MBA in Accounting and Finance in 1995.
He received opportunities in the banking sector with companies such as Ansbacher and SG Hambros. At SG Hambros he accepted a two-year secondment to work in Dublin, Ireland in 1998.
Minister Cooper climbed the corporate ladder to become Chairman and CEO of BAF Global Group and President and CEO of BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Ltd.
He subsequently entered politics and has been the Member of Parliament for The Exumas and Ragged Island since 2017. He retained his seat in the General Election of September, 2021
Minister Cooper took the oath of allegiance and oath of office as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, during a swearing-In ceremony on Saturday, September 18th, 2021.
He has served as the inaugural chairman of the insurance advisory committee and founding Director of the Bahamas venture fund. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a Distinguished Toastmaster and serves on various private sector boards.
Chester is married to Cecelia and they are the proud parents of three children.
As Minister, his portfolio includes: promotion and development of tourism, tourism product improvement, relations with Nassau Tourism and Development Association, tourism publicity and advertisement, relations with the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas, relations with Tourism Promotion Boards, development of Prince George Dock, relations with the Gaming Board, lotteries and gaming, promotion, facilitation and administrative processing of investments, Bahamas Invest, relations with Bahamasair, Civil Aviation, air traffic licensing, Nassau Flight Services, relations with the Airport Authority, air transport licensing, airports and relations with Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority.
October, 2024