Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Cooper

Kingsley Cooper, chief executive office of Pulse Investments Ltd., has declined to serve as a member of the Air Jamaica Board, claiming that it was a conflict of interest.

Last week it was announced that Tony Lindo, Noel Hylton, Marcia Forbes, Mr. Cooper, Ian Kerr, Millicent Hughes and Rex Nettleford were the new members of the board, chaired by former Jamaica Labour Party Senator Shirley Williams.

Inappropriate

But, in a letter dated October 23 and addressed to Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry, Mr. Cooper said it was inappropriate for him to accept the appointment because of his company's relationship with Air Jamaica.

"You have indicated that you intended to appoint me to the board of Air Jamaica and I have indicated my willingness to serve," said Mr. Cooper.

"I want to thank you for considering me in this regard, but on reflection, I now believe it inappropriate to accept this appointment, due to potential conflict of interest," he added.

According to Mr. Cooper, Air Jamaica has been a sponsor of events and activities staged by Pulse Investments, a company in which he has majority interest.

"As Pulse expands internationally, we hope to deepen our partnership with Air Jamaica, as regards a number of joint marketing initiatives," Mr. Cooper said.

He continued: "For these reasons, I consider it prudent that I decline and I am confident that I will have your support and understanding in this regard."

Air Jamaica has been embroiled in controversy over the past week, following the resignation of Mike Conway as president of the airline. Some employees walked off the job last Thursday, claiming that Mr. Conway was forced to resign.

Lynch issue

Mr. Cooper's decision not to serve as a member of the board comes following Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, who voiced his disapproval with the appointment of John Lynch, senior vice-president of the Gordon 'Butch' Stewart-led Sandals Group, as chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Dr. McNeill sees Mr. Lynch's appointment as a conflict of interest, noting that the former Government was guided by the principle that private sector partners and specifically members of the tourist industry should and must be represented on the board of the JTB and on its various committees, but that the chairman of the board should be independent and insulated from a conflict of interest.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com