The Honourable I. Chester Cooper serves as Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Minister of Education, Science & Technology. As Minister, he is the political head of the Ministry and is responsible for providing national leadership, policy direction, and strategic oversight for the education sector in The Bahamas.

Under the Education Act, the Minister is charged with promoting the education of the people of The Bahamas through the progressive development of schools and educational institutions. This mandate seeks to ensure that Bahamian students are equipped to understand their responsibilities as citizens, contribute meaningfully to national development, and achieve their fullest potential through education, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Minister Cooper provides the political mandate for the Ministry and works closely with the Permanent Secretary, Director of Education, and the Ministry’s administrative and technical leadership to advance educational transformation across the country. He also represents the interests of the education sector within Cabinet and accounts to Parliament for the performance and development of education in The Bahamas.

Honourable I. Chester Cooper

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister of Education, Science & Technology

A native of Forbes Hill, Little Exuma, Minister Cooper brings to the Ministry a distinguished record of leadership in business, public service, and national development. First elected Member of Parliament for Exuma & Ragged Island in 2017, he secured a historic third consecutive term in office following the Progressive Liberal Party’s re-election victory in 2026. He also serves as Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Prior to assuming responsibility for Education, Science & Technology, Minister Cooper served as Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, where he played a central role in driving record-breaking tourism growth, expanding foreign direct investment, and advancing national aviation infrastructure throughout The Bahamas. His leadership earned regional recognition, including being named Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

Before entering frontline politics, Minister Cooper established himself as a respected business executive with extensive experience in financial services, insurance, commercial real estate, retail, and fintech. His academic and professional journey spans The Bahamas, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, including work with major international financial institutions in Nassau, Dublin, and Luxembourg. Minister Cooper is a strong advocate for youth empowerment, educational opportunity, innovation, and national development. He has consistently championed policies aimed at expanding access, strengthening Bahamian identity, and creating pathways for future generations to thrive in an increasingly global and technology-driven world.

Raised as the youngest of twelve children, he often credits his upbringing for instilling humility, resilience, faith, and a deep respect for hard work and family. Deputy Prime Minister Cooper is married to Cecillia Cooper, and together they have three children.