Bartlett Saddened By Passing of Jamaican Trailblazer Kingsley Cooper

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has offered his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kingsley Cooper, a visionary pioneer in the fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle industries, who passed away yesterday.

Cooper was renowned for his ground-breaking contribution to the fashion industry locally, regionally, and internationally. Along with fellow attorney Hilary Phillips, he founded Pulse Investments Ltd., and the acclaimed Pulse Model Agency, a trailblazer for Jamaica’s prominence in the international fashion and lifestyle arena.

Minister Bartlett expressed sorrow at Cooper’s passing, saying: “The entire tourism family mourns deeply the passing of one of Jamaica’s outstanding sons, Kingsley Cooper.”

“His pioneering entrepreneurship in the creative arts and industries, with particular reference to fashion and modelling, set the stage for so many outstanding Jamaican models to grace the pages of some of the most discerning and discriminating publications across the world,” Minister Bartlett added.

Cooper’s impact extended into the tourism sector with the establishment of Pulse Boutique Hotels, the hospitality division of Pulse Investments Ltd.

Under this umbrella, Pulse Rooms and the Suites at Villa Ronai became notable names in Jamaica’s boutique hotel industry, offering unique and luxurious experiences to visitors.

Minister Bartlett highlighted the significant contributions Cooper made to tourism, stating: “We in tourism benefitted so much from his business acumen as well as his commitment to Brand Jamaica. He was always forward thinking with his ideas and practices that have enabled us to make a difference in terms of our marketing of destination Jamaica.”

In recognition of his monumental impact, Cooper was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in 2007.

“We want to commend his very powerful and invaluable contribution to Jamaica and our economy,” Minister Bartlett noted. He continued, “I want to convey to his dear wife, children, and family my deepest condolences. Our greatest hope is that they will be inspired by his life and work and be bold enough to continue that legacy to the benefit of Jamaica and the world. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.”