Speakers

Charles Fernandes Cooper (born May 28, 1963, Curaçao) is the Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, and currently also serves as Minister of Finance of Curaçao. He is a seasoned engineer and public administrator with decades of experience in both the technical and political domains.
He began his academic journey in electrical engineering and continued his studies in the Netherlands, where he obtained degrees in instrument engineering and process technology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from a University of Applied Sciences in Breda. In 1992, he earned his master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Zulia, supported by the Isla Refinery.

Mr. Cooper built a strong professional foundation at the Isla Refinery, where he held several technical and leadership roles, including Instrument Engineer, Process Engineer, Process Control Engineer, and Head of the Process Automation Department. His technical expertise and leadership in complex industrial systems have significantly shaped his approach to governance and infrastructure development.

His political career spans multiple key roles within Curaçao’s public sector. He has served as Commissioner of Health and Social Affairs, Commissioner of Infrastructure and Public Transportation, Island Council Member, and Member of Parliament. In these roles, he developed a reputation for combining technical insight with pragmatic and results-driven policy-making.

As Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, Mr. Cooper leads major national initiatives focused on infrastructure development, mobility, and spatial planning. He is the driving force behind Curaçao’s multi-year infrastructure program, aimed at improving road quality, public safety, and overall quality of life across the island. His portfolio also includes aviation, maritime transport, public transportation systems, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.

In his capacity as Minister of Finance, Mr. Cooper is responsible for safeguarding Curaçao’s financial stability and strengthening the island’s economic resilience. He focuses on sound fiscal management, maintaining confidence in the national currency, and creating the financial conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth and investment. His combined leadership across infrastructure and finance allows for a more integrated approach to national development, linking economic policy directly with tangible improvements in the country’s physical and social infrastructure.

Under his leadership, Curaçao is taking strategic steps toward modernizing its infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and preparing the island for future technological developments, including smart mobility, digital transformation, and the integration of emerging technologies such as drones within regulated airspace.

Mr. Cooper is committed to building a sustainable, resilient, and economically strong Curaçao, with a focus on creating visible and lasting improvements that benefit both residents and future generations.