Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness led a distinguished delegation of government officials and diplomats in paying final respects to the late Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Marie Roach Wilson, during a three-hour celebration of life service at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, New
Jersey, on December 5.

The congregation, filled to capacity, gathered to honour the legacy of the diplomat, who served Jamaica with distinction and devotion from July 2019 until her passing on November 8, 2025, following a period of illness.

Roach Wilson, aged 62, passed away peacefully at her residence in New York.

In a poignant moment during the service, Prime Minister Holness presented the insignia of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) to her widower, Omar Wilson, symbolising her final salute from the Government of Jamaica.

The late consul general was conferred with the national honour earlier this year, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s development in education, technology, and the strengthening of healthcare capacity.

“Alsion can only be described as a good steward… a dependable servant of the people. She excelled in moments of crisis when leadership matters most. She was not content merely to occupy the office of Consul General but sought to transform it and reimagine the role. She became a beloved figure in the diaspora,” Holness told mourners, paying tribute to her as a pillar of reliability and dedication.

“She gave more than she took,” the prime minister reflected, as he noted her extensive charitable work and her unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and its diaspora.

“Her passing leaves a profound void in our hearts but also an enduring legacy of devotion, patriotism, and excellence that will continue to inspire all who knew her,” Holness added.

Accompanying the prime minister was Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith, who delivered a heartfelt tribute highlighting the transformative impact of Roach Wilson’s tenure.

“To say that her tenure was revolutionary is an understatement. CG Wilson has redefined the role. Alsion was always in pursuit of excellence,” Minister Johnson Smith stated.

Born in St. Catherine, on February 21, 1963, Roach Wilson migrated to the United States, where she established herself in a distinguished career in finance before entering diplomatic service.

Among her many accomplishments, she held senior positions at leading firms, including vice president and associate director at Bear Stearns and Director of Finance at Greylock Capital Management, and was also the founder of The Alsion Roach Group LLC, as well as Cyberlock Solutions, a cybersecurity firm.

As Jamaica’s 11th consul general in New York, Roach Wilson had responsibility for Jamaica’s interests across 33 US states, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, serving one of the largest and most active Jamaican diasporas in the world.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched the ‘CG on the Beat” programme, delivering essential supplies and support to Jamaican community members who were unable to access services during lockdowns.

Among Roach Wilson’s other notable achievements was spearheading a laptop and tablet drive that mobilised contributions exceeding US$700,000 to support Jamaican students affected by the pandemic.

She also revitalised the Jamaica Independence Gala in New York, elevating it into one of the city’s foremost celebrations of national pride and philanthropy.

Reverend Lester Taylor, Bishop Dr Cecil Riley, and Reverend Dr Richard Griffiths officiated the service of thanksgiving.

Final Tribute…3

A moving musical tribute was delivered by Grammy Award-winning Reggae artiste and founding member of internationally acclaimed band Morgan Heritage, Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan, who performed ‘People Like You’, bringing comfort while celebrating Roach Wilson’s life and legacy.

An eminent gathering attended the thanksgiving service of celebration, among them Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Antony Anderson; US Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, who delivered a heartfelt tribute; and State Minister in the Ministry of Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Consular Corps, Jeremiah Hyacinth, also paid tribute to the late consul general.

Christopher Benjamin, community relations officer at the Jamaican Consulate in New York, delivered remarks on behalf of the staff, honouring Roach Wilson’s dedication and service.

Touching tributes were offered by her daughter, Vanessa Wilson, and by Shaune Brown, who spoke on behalf of her widower, Omar Wilson, and her son, Brian Wilson. Their words celebrated her life as a devoted wife, mother, and servant of Jamaica.

Roach Wilson is also survived by her second son, Patrick Wilson.

Business leaders from New York’s financial sector joined members of the Jamaican diplomatic service in the United States, including Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Brian Wallace, and Consul General in Miami, Oliver Mair – together with honorary consuls, representatives of the Jamaican Embassy and Permanent Missions to the Organization of American States and the UN, and numerous members of the Jamaican diaspora community.