DPM COOPER UNDERSCORES DIPLOMACY AND CONNECTIVITY AT DIPLOMATIC WEEK 2025
NASSAU, The Bahamas, October 23, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, underscored the power of diplomacy, connectivity, and partnership in driving The Bahamas’ continued growth during his address at Bahamas Diplomatic Week 2025, held at the Baha Mar Convention Center.
Cooper emphasized that diplomacy must translate into tangible progress for Bahamians. “From my point of view, your diplomacy brings prosperity. As a businessman, I happen to believe that the best way to advance diplomacy is to create common interest, ideally by advancing business partnerships.”
Turning to national development, the Deputy Prime Minister said, “Under the National Aviation Strategic Plan, unveiled in 2024, we committed to eight key objectives designed to modernize our aviation sector, including infrastructure, sustainability, digital innovation, airlift and connectivity. Through the Family Island Renaissance Project, we are redeveloping more than 14 Family Island airports, a more than $300 million investment ensuring that our gateways are modern, efficient and emblematic of Bahamian excellence.”
He also noted that expanding global connections brings opportunities to communities across The Bahamas. “The interline agreement between Bahamasair and Emirates Airlines, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, now links The Bahamas to major global hubs across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We have also executed MOUs with Saudi Arabia on expansion of tourism in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.”
Reaffirming The Bahamas’ leadership at home and abroad, Cooper said, “Our international partners understand that The Bahamas offers not only natural beauty and world-class hospitality, but also strategic access to North America, Latin America, and the wider Caribbean. We are a gateway between continents, stable, open and innovative.”
Closing his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister added, “When I go to the world, I carry the message that we are small, and though we have no army and limited natural resources, we are mighty because of our ideas, because of our people, because of our values, and because of our ability to find solutions. With your continued cooperation, we will soar to even greater heights for the benefit of our people, and for the progress of all who call this shared world home.”
About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Rissie Demeritte
Director Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
rdemeritte@bahamas.com
Joshua Robins
Manager, Domestic Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation