NASSAU| Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Exuma and Ragged Island, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, has announced his intention to donate his annual parliamentary salary of $28,000 to the Bahamas Education, Science and Technology (BEST) Foundation to support educational programs and scholarships for students from Exuma and Ragged Island and the wider Bahamas.
“Over the years, I have made it a practice to donate my parliamentary salary to various community initiatives throughout Exuma, supporting causes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people,” said Cooper, who took over the portfolio for the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology in May. “We have supported Environment, Scholarships, Healthcare, Sports infrastructure, Entrepreneurship, Covid Food Bank, Fish Fry fire relief and the Forbes Hill Cultural Village and other initiatives over the years.
“This year, I am directing that contribution toward education, helping to expand opportunities for our young people.
“The BEST Foundation presents an opportunity for all Bahamians to play a direct role in strengthening education. I am calling on corporate Bahamas, business leaders, philanthropic organisations, civic groups and individuals to step forward and contribute to this important initiative.
“We cannot leave the responsibility of building our children’s future to government alone.. I hope my personal contribution will encourage others to make their own commitments to BEST.
“I remain deeply grateful to the people of Exuma and Ragged Island for the privilege of representing them. And I urge all who are in a position to help to join this effort and demonstrate that investing in our children is a shared national priority.”
