Famous Jamaican playwright and the director of Miss World Jamaica Aston Cooke has passed away. He was responsible for conducting the national beauty pageant of Miss World Caribbean and selecting some outstanding beauty queens who would represent the Caribbean on the world stage. The national director did a phenomenal job conducting his pageant and sending some incredible candidates including the current title holder of Miss World Caribbean Kadijah Robinson.

Miss Olivia Grange, the Minister of Culture and Entertainment has expressed her sadness and shock at the unfortunate demise of the playwright, cultural practitioner and national director of Miss World Caribbean Aston Cooke. She said, “The news of Aston’s passing on this Jamaica Day is a blow for us all.” Grange remembered his legacy and the impact he left on the Jamaican culture.

 In addition to this, she added, “In the midst of our cultural celebrations today, we say farewell to a gentleman who has left us a proud legacy that echoes the makings of a cultural icon.  We are sure the spirit and legacy of Aston Cooke will live on.”

Cooke was one of the chiefs of Crown of Beauty Jamaica Limited, which has the ownership of the Miss Jamaica World franchise. He is the recipient of 10 national Actor Boy Awards for outstanding achievement in Jamaican theatre and an inductee to the Caribbean Hall of Fame for Arts and Culture.

Angelopedia sends deepest condolences to the friends and family of Aston Cooke. May his soul rest in peace.