PRIME Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday described the late Kingsley Cooper as a trailblazer in the model, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.

“Kingsley was simply a cut above the rest,” Holness said in a statement on the death Tuesday of the Pulse boss.

“Jamaica has lost an icon in the fashion industry who discovered several of the world’s best models who represented major brands,” said Holness.

“His pioneering work as founder of Pulse Model Agency in the 1980s was the catalyst that placed Jamaica front and centre of the lifestyle sector locally and overseas,” added Holness.

“Kingsley’s astute business sense saw him transforming Pulse into an investment and lifestyle brand with significant regional impact, creating products such as Caribbean Model Search, Caribbean Fashion Week, among others and later listing the investment company on the stock market, which saw its entry into real estate and other ventures,” said the prime minister.

Cooper, who died in Florida, United States, where he was flown for treatment last week after falling ill, received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for pioneering, defining, and developing the modelling industry, locally, regionally, and internationally. He was 71.

Cooper, a Kingston College old boy, founded Pulse —Jamaica’s first fashion and general entertainment company — in 1980.

He was responsible for staging some of the more prestigious live concerts in Jamaica over the years, featuring top reggae, R&B, and pop music stars.

Cooper, through Pulse, also won many young Jamaicans modelling contracts with some of the world’s major fashion houses.

Just last December, Cooper played a pivotal role in the launch of Kingston College’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Kingsley Cooper. Kingsley, co-founder of Pulse and a pioneer of Jamaica’s fashion industry, also enjoyed a period as a leading promoter of historic reggae concerts of the highest quality.

“An attorney-at-law, he charted new business opportunities in the creative industries and real estate; the Peter Tosh Museum is also part of his great legacy to Jamaica. Kingsley was urbane, suave, and had great generosity of spirit. My heartfelt condolences go out to Romae, Safia, Carolyn, and other family and close friends. Walk good, Kingsley,” Golding wrote.

Golding’s People’s National Party (PNP), in a release later, said Cooper was a distinguished figure whose legacy will forever be cherished in Jamaica and beyond. Cooper’s passing, added the PNP, “is a profound loss to our nation and we take this moment to honour his remarkable contributions and celebrate his extraordinary life”.

Said the PNP: “Kingsley Cooper was a visionary leader, a trailblazer in the cultural and entertainment industries, and a relentless advocate for the empowerment of Jamaican talent. As the founder and chairman of Pulse Investments Limited, he played a pivotal role in putting Jamaica on the global map through the promotion of our culture, fashion, and entertainment. His dedication to excellence and his commitment to nurturing and showcasing Jamaican talent have left an indelible mark on the industry.

“Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Cooper was a man of great integrity and compassion. His contributions extended far beyond his business endeavours as he consistently sought to uplift and inspire the next generation. Through his initiatives, countless young Jamaicans found opportunities to pursue their dreams and achieve success on the world stage.”

“The PNP honours the life and legacy of Kingsley Cooper. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and in the thriving industries he helped build,” said the release.

At the same time, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange described Cooper as “a patriotic and committed Jamaican who never hesitated whenever he was called on to serve his country and he served unconditionally”.

“He earned my love, appreciation, and respect, and that of many Jamaicans from all walks of life. He served for many years on the Entertainment Advisory Board which falls under my ministry,” said Grange.

She added: “The records will highlight Kingsley’s spectacular contribution to the world of fashion and entertainment from which resulted supermodels and other international stars. Pulse created new opportunities for local and international talent in fashion and music.

“The company brought us international events such as Caribbean Fashion Week and Reggae SuperJam and later established the Peter Tosh Museum. Also going into media, real estate and hospitality, Pulse became the first company of its kind to be listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

“Kingsley Cooper was a visionary, innovator, and leader of exceptional quality,” said Grange.

“My deepest sympathy to his partner, Romae, to Safia, to his sisters Carolyn and Donnette, and to the other members of his family, friends and associates.”