DPM Cooper says government celebrates Grand Bahamas economic growth

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas -- During the 2026 Labor Day celebrations in Grand Bahama, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Chester Cooper told workers at a post-Labor Day parade rally that the Davis Administration celebrates the growth of the Grand Bahamian economy and new investments.

He said the government joins Grand Bahamians in celebrating the success of Celebration Key, the proposed new projects of MSC and Royal Caribbean, which will create new jobs for workers, new opportunities, and new entrepreneurship engagement possibilities, particularly for young people.

"We are not just about creating jobs, understanding that it's an important aspect, but we are about creating opportunities for young and new entrepreneurs," DPM Cooper added. "We will continue to preach the need for us to own our economy. And that is what we stand for and that is what we seek to do."

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper joined Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Fred Mitchell and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey for the Randol Fawkes Labor Day celebrations on Friday, June 5, 2026. Workers joined their respective unions on a Labor Day parade, which started and ended at Independence Park, where a short rally was held. Mr. Cooper said he thought it only fitting to join Grand Bahamians in their labor celebrations this year.

"I want to say a special thanks to workers everywhere," said Mr. Cooper. "I want to especially recognize the essential workers who couldn't get today off. Policemen, nurses, doctors, who don't always get to enjoy the holidays that we celebrate, because they consistently work for us.

"But I remind you that this isn't just a day off or a holiday. It is a reminder of our founding principles of labor rights, of fairness, of dignity and of partnership. It reminds us that we are blessed people. We have the ability and opportunity to participate in labor unions as a constitutional right. So, we live in a beautiful country."

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said his government will continue to stand with labor, with young people and will continue to work hand-in-hand in solidarity with them: As the government prepares to put in place various programs and projects to help grow the Bahamas and the Bahamian economy, it recognizes the significance of labor and the significance of the labor movement.

"This is why today we celebrate having signed more than sixty labor agreements. We celebrate having increased the minimum wage. We celebrate creating opportunities like Upskill Bahamas, like Digi-Learn, and as having already gone through the consultation phase of new labor laws that we have discussed with many of you here and your representatives.

"I want our young people to know that many of the things they're calling for - like apprenticeship programs, like paternity leave - have already been addressed in the upcoming labor bills. I recognize someone like Senator Keenan Johnson, who is now working with me in Education, but who had the opportunity to work in labor and has been a part of this process. And I thank him for his work.

"I want to tell you that this government is committed to collaborating with the labor movement. You've heard that I have now joined the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. I can tell you that I am blessed to be able to work with several labor unions. I have already met four of them. I hope to meet with the other three within the next three weeks.

"I'm looking forward to collaboration and respectful and productive engagement. Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We all want to build a stronger country. We want dignity in the workplace. We all want productivity.

"On this Labor Day, let us take pride in our labor celebrations. Let us take pride in our achievements, let us renew our commitment to building a brighter future for all Bahamians, building a better country. Let us recommit ourselves to doing our part in contributing not only to the labor movement but contributing to nation building."

(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)