‘A profound loss’
Jamaican diaspora mourns Alsion Roach-Wilson, consul general to New York
Published:Monday | November 10, 2025 | 12:24 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
The Jamaican diaspora has reacted with shock and disbelief at news that Jamaica’s Consul General to New York Alsion Roach-Wilson has died following her battle with breast cancer.
Roach-Wilson died at home in New Jersey in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, under whose portfolio Roach-Wilson served, announced her death in a Facebook post.
In her post, the minister said she was saddened to announce the passing of the consul general.
“Consul General Wilson served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence during her tenure from July 2019 to present. Her accomplishments defy the time during which she served with deep commitment to country, the Foreign Service and, indeed, to Jamaicans at home and abroad. Everyone who has worked with her or simply met her also knew unequivocally that she was also a warm and generous human being who exemplified professionalism, loyalty to country and friendship to the world,” said Johnson Smith.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said he was profoundly saddened by Roach Wilson’s passing.
“Alsion was a devoted Jamaican whose love for her country was as deep as it was enduring. She dedicated her heart and soul to service to others, to strengthen the bonds between Jamaica and its diaspora and to ensuring that our nation’s voice was heard with pride and purpose on the world stage,” he said.
The prime minister said Roach Wilson was a bridge between Jamaica and the United States (US), using her warmth, grace and influence to advance Jamaica’s interests with quiet power and steadfast commitment.
“Beyond her official duties, Alsion was generous of spirit, supporting numerous charitable causes and giving selflessly to those in need,” the prime minister said.
A WOMAN OF STRENGTH
Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, said he wished to express profound sorrow at the passing of the consul general.
He said she was a woman of remarkable vision and strength.
“She led with compassion, intellect and an unshakeable belief in Jamaica. I had the honour of working with her on matters of critical areas of national interest and she was a true patriot and a unifying force in the diaspora,” she said.
Jamaica’s honorary consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, expressed sadness and grief at her passing.
“We were appointed in the same year – 2019, and we formed a deep respect for each other and a strong friendship over the years. She was a consummate professional. Her focus on relationships became clearly evident during the pandemic when she delivered laptops, tablets and many more resources to our country. She provided strong leadership and sage advice to us, and I always looked forward to our interaction,” he said.
Michelle Tulloch-Neil, the Global Jamaica Diaspora council member for the US Northeast, said she was saddened by the passing of Roach Wilson.
“Her leadership, compassion and unwavering dedication to the entire community will never be forgotten,” she said.
Tulloch-Neil said Roach Wilson’s influence will continue to inspire “us all”.
Former Jamaica Diaspora Board member Akeila Lawrence termed her death sad news and a major loss to the community.
“I am deeply saddened by her passing. Consul General Wilson served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence,” she said.
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES
Dr Karren Dunkley, who served as the Global Jamaican Diaspora council member for the Northeast United States, said it was with a heavy heart that she extended her deepest condolences on the passing of Roach-Wilson.
“Her departure is a profound loss to Jamaica and to those of us in the diaspora. During our working together, I witnessed firsthand her steadfast courage, deep empathy, and unwavering commitment to the Jamaican people. She stood firm, mobilising aid, advocating for Jamaicans abroad, and deepening the bridge between Jamaica and the diaspora,” said Dunkley.
She said Roach Wilson believed in the power of service, the dignity of connection and the truth that Jamaica’s diaspora was not peripheral but absolutely central to the island’s development and global identity.
Dr Robert Clarke, head of Help Jamaica Medical Mission and who served as her unofficial medical adviser, said Wilson was instrumental in organising countless medical missions to underserved areas of Jamaica.
Clarke said Roach Wilson garnered medical support that was needed in both the diaspora and Jamaica.
“She facilitated and rallied medical support for so many individuals at home and abroad. She was instrumental in securing medication for many Jamaicans who found themselves stranded in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and had run out of medication,” he recalled.
Clarke said her passion for Jamaica was second to none.
Educator Lawman Lynch described her as a true patriot whose leadership transformed the Jamaican diaspora.
“As consul general, she brought energy, unity and purpose to our communities, inspiring many at home and abroad,” he said.
Lynch said the late consul general worked tirelessly for Brand Jamaica and served with exceptional dedication.