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Progress means representation that is always fighting for you.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper

Candidate for Exumas & Ragged Island

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About me

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.

Top 3 Focus Areas for My Constituency

Way to success

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

• 787 new police officers
• New bail and anti-gang laws
• Over 1,000 CCTV cameras
• Over 260 new defence force marines

Key Public Safety & Community Updates Read more

Making Life More Affordable


• The National School Breakfast Programme
• Minimum wage increased 24%
• VAT reduced from 12% to 10%
• VAT reduced to 0% on unprepared food

Social & Cost of Living Initiatives Read more

Expanding Opportunities


• Upskill
• Digilearn
• National Youth Guard
• PHA Academy
• New agriculture grants
• Access to $122 million for entrepreneurs

National Development Initiatives Read more

Working to Reform Government


• Labour law modernization
• First public in service-wide promotion in 8 years
• 2,000+ young people hired in public service
• Promotions and confirmations backlog cleared
• 60 industrials agreements signed increasing pay and expanding benefits

Governance & Economic Reform Initiatives Read more

I am committed to doing my very best to drive economic growth, grow our tourism industry and create opportunities for Bahamians in support of the Progressive Liberal Party’s core values and vision for a stronger, more inclusive Bahamas. Through record-breaking tourism growth, embracing technology and new investments across our islands, my focus remains on expanding opportunity, creating jobs, and ensuring that progress reaches communities throughout our country.
I. Chester Cooper
Exuma & Ragged Island
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)

Commitment to Equality and Nondiscrimination: The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is dedicated to fostering a society where every Bahamian has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of personal beliefs or characteristics. We believe that fairness, respect, and inclusion are essential for a stronger, united nation. In line with our commitment to justice and equality, we strive to ensure that all Bahamians, regardless of political views, religion, national origin, ancestry, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, are treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of our policies, programs, and practices. The PLP is committed to building a society where every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed.

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