FREE | PAGES: 28 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER AT epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | VOL 345 ‘A PILLAR OF RELIABILITY, DEDICATION’ – Hundreds pay final tribute to Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson >P3-5 See pictorial feature JA looking to partner with Clinton Foundation to assist with Hurricane Melissa recovery .P6 - Boulevard Baptist Church members strike matter from meeting agenda. NO VOTE ON GAY UNION BLESSINGS Jimmy Cliff official funeral December 17 .P2 South Florida Relief Concert a ‘tremendous success’ .P24 .P6 Swap out ordinary for fun with recipes for a festive Christmas feast! . P16-18 DELIVERING THE CONSUL-GENERAL’s NATIONAL AWARD – Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness (second from left) presents the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) insignia to Alsion Wilson’s husband, Omar (right) at the celebration of life service held at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey, on Friday December 5, 2025. Looking on (from left) are; United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade. The late Jamaican Consul-General to New York had been conferred with this honour earlier this year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s national development in education, technology, and healthcare capacity-building, but was unable to be in Jamaica to accept the award in October because of her illness. >P8-14
BEFORE OCTOBER 28 when powerful Hurricane Melissa wrecked the west of the island, Jamaica was on a path of modest, but encouraging, recovery from the impact of hurricane Beryl of 2024. INFLATION HAD cooled to 2.1 percent point-to-point in September; unemployment was reported at 3.3 per cent, and the primary surplus was outperforming projection. Indeed Between April and September, revenue and grants outperformed projections by $3.8 billion; tax collections exceeded expectations by $6.8 billion; unemployment stood at record lows; inflation was comfortably within the Bank of Jamaica’s target range. Growth in the first half of the fiscal year was estimated at 2.8 percent, a sign that the economy was recovering from Hurricane Beryl the year before.. This early-year performance provided credibility, liquidity, and reassurance to markets. The credit rating agencies had a more positive view of Jamaica. The interim fiscal policy paper, tabled in Parliament in December reveals the scale of the economic and fiscal disruption caused by the hurricane. Real GDP for FY 2025/26 is now projected to contract by 4.3 per cent, reversing the earlier forecast growth of 2.2 per cent. Nominal GDP, usually buoyed by inflation alone, is expected to fall by 0.2 per cent. Agriculture, tourism, electricity, and communication services have all been bludgeoned by the storm. Additionally, while the government had crafted its February budget around the promise of a balanced fiscal outcome for 2025/26 and a primary surplus of 5.1 per cent, that ambition is now impossible. The new projection is for a fiscal deficit of 3.5 per cent of GDP, the first such deficit Jamaica has seen since the era of fiscal reform began more than a decade ago. And the public debt, which had been on track to reach the legislated target of 60 percent of GDP by FY 2027/28, must now be re-anchored. The government is formally pushing the timeline back by two years, to FY 2029/30. FISCAL LOOSENING Jamaica has entered an unavoidable period of fiscal loosening; not because of indiscipline, but because of obvious necessity. The upshot: the second half of FY 2025/26 will be defined by shrinking revenues, escalating expenditures, falling employment, particularly in the western parishes, and a supply shock in food, transportation, and energy distribution that will stoke inflation. The government will be forced to allow greater levels of food imports to cushion the inflation environment. The economy is expected to contract sharply, and the state must step forward to fill the void. The FPP outlines the immediate budgetary pressure points: higher recurrent spending for relief, shelter, and social protection; increased compensation expenditures; and a reduction in capital spending due to paralysis in project implementation. The Third Supplementary Estimates reflect this reality clearly: programme spending rises by $94.4 billion, compensation by $11.3 billion, while the capital budget is cut by $2.2 billion. This shift toward consumption-oriented spending is understandable. People must eat, sleep, and live before long-term infrastructure can be rebuilt. But it is also a warning. Unless capital spending execution improves, Jamaica risks underinvesting in the very reconstruction that will power its medium-term recovery. The FPP also underscores a longstanding truth: Jamaica’s public financial machinery is still too slow at delivering large, complex capital projects. Procurement bottlenecks, staffing shortages, and coordination gaps remain obstacles. The Central government, and local authorities have weak capacities to deliver. If ever there were a moment to overhaul the government’s project execution systems, Melissa has forced the issue. CAUTIOUS HOPE The good news is that Jamaica’s medium-term outlook remains positive, if subdued. Real GDP growth is projected to return to the 1–2 per cent range over FY 2026/27 to FY 2028/29. Inflation is expected to normalise. The current account is surprisingly projected to remain in surplus. International reserves remain robust. But make no mistake: this recovery depends entirely on two factors. First, the speed and scale of reconstruction financing, especially from external partners; with over US$6.7 billion pledged over the next three years. The second is the country’s ability to strengthen climate resilience, not just rebuild what was destroyed. The FPP signals a need to pivot toward climate-oriented fiscal policy. The establishment of a Climate Finance Unit in the Ministry of Finance, the reliance on multilayered risk-financing instruments, and the acknowledgement that Jamaica must now normalize climate shocks in its macro-fiscal planning – all signal a new era of realism. The Interim Fiscal Policy Paper is not merely a fiscal update – it is a sobering diagnosis of a country forced into a new macroeconomic reality. But it is also a reminder of how far Jamaica has come. A country that once lurched from crisis to crisis now demonstrates resilience, sobriety, and discipline even under catastrophic strain. The challenge that the FPP points to is how to rebuild – not only structures, but confidence – while holding firmly to the principles that placed Jamaica on the path of recovery in the first place. Joseph Manley places a wreath at the shrine of his father, the late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Michael Manley. Occasion was a floral tribute marking the 101st anniversary of the birth of the former prime minister at the National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Wednesday, December 10. RUDOLPH BROWN/PHOTOGRAPHER Jimmy Cliff official funeral December 17 — Grange NEWS BRIEFS Surviving the crisis EDITORIAL THE official funeral service for late reggae singer, Jimmy Cliff, will take place on Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre beginning at 10 a.m. Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, at the age of 81. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, who made the announcement said that Cliff is being accorded an official funeral by the Government “for his immense contribution to Jamaican Culture and Entertainment”. The arrangements are being finalised by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the family of the acclaimed musician, singer and actor who was born James Chambers in 1944. Minister Grange said the service at the National Indoor Centre would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon”. The minister said the service would feature only spoken word, dance and music in keeping with Jimmy Cliff’s wishes. THE SUPREME Court has thrown out an application brought by the People’s National Party’s Paul Buchanan to overturn the results of the St Andrew West Central general election which he lost to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness. Buchanan, who was the Opposition Party’s candidate, filed an application for permission to seek judicial review of the decision of the Constituted Authority not to apply to the Election Court to void the results of the September 3 poll. On Monday, Justice Sonya WintBlair refused Buchanan’s application, asserting that the time frame set down by the law is a “knockout blow” to its success. Buchanan had made a request to the Authority for the body to apply to the Election Court to void the election result, citing irregularities, including double voting, voter intimidation, and compromised ballot boxes. However, on September 30, the Authority refused the request, determining that the alleged irregularities did not satisfy the statutory standard required to void the election results. Supreme Court dumps Opposition candidate’s attempt to overturn JLP leader’s general election win in St Andrew West Central Haitian group condemns Trump’s anti-Black, anti-immigrant attacks SAN DIEGO, CMC: THE CALIFORNIA-BASED Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) Tuesday “unequivocally” condemned United States President Donald Trump’s latest barrage of anti-Black, anti-immigrant attacks, including his recent remarks referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” while asserting that the US “does not want them in our country. “His rhetoric, reported widely in national media, is not simply insulting. It constitutes state-sanctioned dehumanisation and reinforces a longstanding pattern of xenophobic and white-nationalist policymaking,” HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Jozef also denounced the Trump administration’s decision to pause all pending green card applications for people from 19 countries, including Haiti, saying “the list is overwhelmingly made up of African, Caribbean, Arab and Muslim nations. Over the weekend, Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke also condemned what she described as Trump’s “racist attack” on Somalia-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Somali immigrants in Minnesota. “Between falling asleep in his own Cabinet meeting, President Trump somehow finds the time to launch hateful attacks against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Somali immigrants in Minnesota,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, told CMC. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
3 Derrick Scott/Contributor WASHINGTON DC : JAMAICA’S PRIME Minister Dr Andrew Holness led a distinguished delegation of government officials and diplomats in paying final respects to the late Alsion Marie Wilson, CD, Consul General of Jamaica at New York, during a threehour celebration-of-life service held at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood in New Jersey. The at-capacity congregation gathered to honour the legacy of the diplomat who served Jamaica with distinction from July 2019 until her passing on November 8, 2025, after a four-year battle with breast cancer. Wilson, who was 64 years old, died at her home in New York. In a poignant moment during the service, Prime Minister Holness presented the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) insignia to Wilson’s husband, Omar, marking her final salute from the Government of Jamaica. The late consul general was conferred with this national honour earlier this year, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s national development in education, technology, and healthcare capacity-building. “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,” Prime Minister Holness told mourners, describing her as a pillar of reliability and dedication. “She was not content merely to occupy the office of consul general but sought to transform it and re-imagine the role. She became a beloved figure in the diaspora.” Accompanying the prime minister was Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, who delivered a heartfelt tribute outlining the transformative nature of 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. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Born in St Catherine, Jamaica, on February 21, 1963, Roach Wilson migrated to the United States where she built a distinguished career in finance before entering diplomatic service. She held senior positions at leading firms, including as vice-president and associate director at Bear Stearns, director of finance at Greylock Capital Management. She founded both The Alsion Roach Group, LLC and Cyberlock Solutions, a cybersecurity firm. ‘A pillar of reliability, dedication’ A section of the crowd at the celebration-of-life service for Alsion Roach Wilson, Jamaica’s late consul general for New York, held at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey in the United States. CONTRIBUTED REMEMBERING AN OUTSTANDING CONSUL GENERAL – Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (left); Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (second left), minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade; Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Retired Major General Antony Anderson (centre); and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, join the congregation in a song of praise at the celebration-of-life service for the late Consul -General Alsion Marie Roach Wilson at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, in New Jersey, on Friday, December 5. PHOTOS BY DERRICK A. SCOTT Omar Wilson (right), husband of the late Alsion Marie Roach Wilson, along with son Brian, leads the pallbearers ahead of other family members. Grammy award winner Gramps Morgan delivers a moving musical tribute ‘People Like You’ during the celebration-of-life service for the late Alsion Marie Roach Wilson, consul general of Jamaica at New York. Hundreds pay final tribute to Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson PLEASE SEE TRIBUTE, P4 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. editorial@gleanerjm.com THE MONTHLY GLEANER | NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Lester 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, November 8. Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, under whose portfolio RoachWilson 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 ‘A profound loss’ Consul General Alsion Wilson with NYC Mayor Eric Adams at a flag raising ceremony to mark Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of Independence. CONTRIBUTED Jamaican diaspora mourns Alsion Roach-Wilson, consul general to New York moya.thomas@gleanerjm.com Moya Thomas anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer 2 Dave Rodney/Gleaner Writer NEW YORKERS woke last Monday morning to an alluring invitation from the Jamaica Tourist Board, urging tri-state residents to book now to travel to Jamaica Carnival in April 2026. The sizzling television segment that was broadcast on the New York Living morning show on PIX 11 was hosted by popular television personality Marysol. The segment was loaded with vibrant and exciting images of the sexy side of carnival in Jamaica, as well as iconic images of resort areas and breathtaking attractions across the island. The interviewee and spokesperson for Jamaica was Victoria Harper, district sales manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board (Northeastern USA) who did an excellent job in selling the multi-layered magnets that pull visitors to Jamaica year after year. “Jamaica Carnival is an explosion of colour, music and culture,” Harper, a former Miss Jamaica USA and Miss Jamaica World runner-up told New Yorkers. “It’s our biggest street party featuring soca music, reggae, elaborate costumes and the authentic Jamaica energy. What sets it apart is the combination of the now decades-old carnival tradition alongside Jamaica’s unique vibe, from our music to our food to our warm hospitality,” the JTB manager added. Since the event is still several months away, Marysol asked why it is necessary to book so early. “The early bird catches the worm,” Harper replied. “Booking now means significant savings with early-bird packages offering significant savings on event tickets, costumes, air and accommodations.” Those visiting for Jamaica Carnival are also urged to combine Kingston with other resort areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio for a full-bodied extended stay so as to maximise the range of experiences that Jamaica has to offer. “The vibe is electric, the energy contagious, and the memories are everlasting,” Harper implored, with seductive flashes of cool, cascading waterfalls dancing across the television screen. Jamaica Carnival has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural tourism events in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the 2025 edition attracted over 52,000 participants and generated an estimated US$35 million during the peak week alone. For 2026, the prelude activities start as early as April 8 and the magnificent road march will take place on Sunday, April 12. Jamaica Carnival 2026 out the gates early with NY tv promotion WHEN HE responded last week to the Independent Fiscal Commission’s (IFC) warning that the government’s ongoing inability to meet its capital spending targets could weaken Jamaica’s growth prospects, Prime Minister Andrew Holness focused primarily on contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. “There are many issues that would cause the underutilisation of the capital budget,” Dr Holness said, “But, the one that is of interest to us is how contractors execute projects and the speed in which they execute projects … If they don’t perform, the budget cannot be expended and the growth of the country is slow.” His Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (it was until recently growth and job creation) was addressing the problem by developing a programme to help domestic contractors build capacity, the prime minister said. Dr Holness is no doubt right about the shortcomings of contractors, and how their weaknesses contribute to the slow execution of projects. But, as he intimated, this isn’t the whole story. It is questionable that it is even the major one. There are great shortcomings, too, in the government’s procurement architecture. This is not only in oversight rigidities, against which public officials often complain, and some of which the government sought to remedy with recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. But a larger, and more pressing issue, as this newspaper has raised before, is the numbers, and quality of the personnel, who are asked to annually manage and monitor scores of billions of dollars of procurement, utilising various bidding/sourcing regimes and contracting schemes. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE This requires – or ought to – the highest level professional competence, and sufficient staff, so that it is done with the highest level of professionalism, and in a timely manner, to protect taxpayers’ interest and deliver on national priorities. In other words, the expertise required by public servants to manage bids to spend huge amounts of money should be no less than would be expected in the private sector. The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite improvements in recent times, significant deficits remain. The IFC, which became operational in January, reviews, and reports on, the government’s fiscal operations, to determine whether it is on track to lower, and maintain, Jamaica’s debt to no more than 60 per cent GDP, as set out in law. That target is likely to be met by the end of the current fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. In its review for the first quarter (April to June) of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the commission repeated a concern it raised in January in its report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year: of under-spending on capital projects and the potential consequences thereof. The IFC noted that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, self-financing public bodies (some of which oversee major public sector infrastructure/development projects, generated an overall surplus of $88.9 billion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP. This was 158.4 per cent ($34.4) billion above the original target. The much larger surplus was mainly the result of these bodies underspending on capital projects by $49.1 billion. SLOW EXECUTION The slow execution of capital projects continued in the new fiscal year, lagging across central government and public bodies between April and June by $20.4 billion, a shortfall of 50.37 per cent on the projected spend. Given this “underwhelming” pace of execution, and the evidence of previous years, it seems unlikely that the total capital budget of $163.8 billion will be spent by the end of next March. “The IFC notes that the underspending does not represent true savings, but rather a delay or slowness in the pace of execution of projects and programmes,” the agency said. “This is of considerable concern particularly with regard to capital projects amid the adverse implications for economic growth.” While contractor inefficiencies contribute to the failures, a significant constraint is the slow pace at which projects get off the ground, from conceptualisation to procurement. That, in part, is the outcome of layers of bureaucracy, which have grown to close loopholes which were exploited by corrupt officials. The Gleaner supports recent moves to rid the system of some of the in-built inertia – but not at the expense of accountability and protection of taxpayers’ resources. Among the answers to such legitimate concerns, as we suggested nearly a year and a half ago, is the development of a cadre of highly trained, certified, accredited and decently paid procurement professionals. In other words, the government should attract the best talent to what should be seen as a prized, specialist profession. Clear career paths should be developed in the public sector for this group. This means that the government must cooperate with universities and other institutions on specialised training, as well as continuing education programmes for procurement specialists. Need: procurement specialists THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS EDITORIAL THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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Omar Wilson (at far left), husband of the late Alsion Marie Roach Wilson, consul general of Jamaica to New York, along with members of the family and the large congregation. PHOTOS BY DERRICK A. SCOTT the Jamaica Independence Gala, transforming it into a premier New York celebration of national pride and philanthropy. The service of thanksgiving was officiated by The Rev Lester Taylor, Bishop Dr Cecil Riley and the Rev Dr Griffiths. A moving musical tribute was rendered by Grammy award winner Gramps Morgan, who performed People Like You, offering comfort and celebration of Wilson’s life and legacy. The celebration thanksgiving service was attended by an eminent gathering including Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Retired Major General Antony Anderson, United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who delivered a heartfelt tribute, and State Minister Delano Seivewright, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. EXTENSIVE CHARITABLE WORK Jeremiah Hyacinth, chair of the CARICOM Consular Corps, also paid tribute to the late consul general. Christopher Benjamin, community relations officer at the consulate, offered remarks on behalf of the Consulate’s staff, honouring Mrs Wilson’s dedication and service. Touching tributes came from her daughter, Vanessa, and from Shaune Brown, who delivered on behalf of her husband Omar, and son Brian, which celebrated her life as a devoted wife, mother, and servant of Jamaica. Business leaders from New York’s financial sector, members of the Jamaican diplomatic service in the US, including Ambassador Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), Consul General at Miami, Oliver Mair, honorary consuls, members of the Jamaican Embassy and Permanent Missions to the Organization of American States and UN and numerous members of the Jamaican diaspora community were also present. “She gave more than she took,”Prime Minister Holness reflected, noting her extensive charitable work and her commitment to strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and its diaspora. “Her passing leaves a void in our hearts, but also a legacy of devotion, patriotism, and excellence that will continue to inspire all who knew her.” Roach Wilson is survived by her husband, Omar, and children Brian, Vanessa, and Patrick. 5 DELIVERING THE CONSUL-GENERAL’s NATIONAL AWARD – Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness (second from left) presents the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) insignia to Alsion Wilson’s husband, Omar (right) at the celebration of life service held at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey, on Friday December 5, 2025. Looking on (from left) are; United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade. The late Jamaican Consul-General to New York had been conferred with this honour earlier this year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s national development in education, technology, and healthcare capacity-building, but was unable to be in Jamaica to accept the award in October because of her illness. TRIBUTE Continued from, P3 Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade of Jamaica, delivers a heartfelt tribute. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE Do you want to assist family or friends to migrate to Canada but don’t know where to start? Are you a Spouse/Parent or Child in Canada – find out if you can Sponsor family. If you are in Canada on a Work or Student Permit, find out how to qualify for Permanent Residency. Are you outside Canada, and want to find out your options for migrating to Canada? Then contact our office to find out your options. We advise and assist with Canadian Immigration applications only. Please note that we are not a Placement Agency. Nadine Mahabeer is a Licensed Immigration Consultant, with over 22 years of Experience, and is a Weekly Guest on “Immigration Mondays” @ 9:00am on Nationwide 90FM. Consultations may be done via Zoom, Telephone or WhatsApp. Please call or e-mail to get the details for a consultation.
6 Erica Virtue Senior Gleaner Writer THE BOULEVARD Baptist Church membership last month voted down a proposal from its pastor, Reverend Devon Dick, to add to the agenda of a business meeting a discussion and vote on whether same-sex unions could receive “blessings” at the church. Speaking during a service held on Sunday, November 9, he notified members that they should be prepared to vote on the matter at the end of that week. “At the members’ meeting, we also need to vote,” he said while making general announcements at the close of the service. “What are we to vote on? You should know that there is some split within the Anglican Church on the issue of homosexuality and the Roman Catholic Church has said that their priests can bless homosexual [couples] in a ceremony. We need to do a vote [on] what is our position, allowing, say, if two males want to get married or want to be blessed, if it can be done in this sanctuary. So I ask you to come out and vote on Saturday. It will be a secret ballot, so nobody will know how you vote. You just vote yes or no ... ,” he said. However, The Sunday Gleaner was told that the meeting needed a quorum of 40 – 10 per cent of members – to get under way. Sixty-nine members turned out. The church members acted before the proposal could even reach the agenda, voting instead to ensure it was never formally tabled. Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Dick confirmed that a majority who cast ballots voted in a preliminary motion “not to vote on the question”. “The vote was not to vote on the issue,” the long-standing Baptist clergyman sought to explain. “The number of people who voted against doing the vote was about 15. The majority was abstention. Naturally, the majority carried,” he said, noting that he did not have the exact figures on hand. When The Sunday Gleaner asked him to expound, he said: “Well, it means some … probably some lack of comfort with the issue. You know, churches ... churches are conservative. But that’s it. But that was an interpretation, you know.” Asked for the context behind raising the matter at all, he again paused before responding: “You are aware that the Roman Catholic Church earlier this year – not for marriage, same-sex marriage – but they are allowed to bless couples in same-sex relationships. You’re aware of that? That was the context. I think I mentioned that.” NON-LITURGICAL BLESSINGS In December 2023, Pope Francis approved a Vatican document (Fiducia Supplicans) allowing priests to offer non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples and individuals in “irregular situations”, emphasising these are blessings for persons – not the union itself – and must avoid any impression of marriage or ritualisation, distinguishing them from sacramental marriage. The declaration stressed compassion, welcoming all to God’s mercy, but maintained traditional doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman, meaning no formal church marriage for same-sex couples. Pope Francis, who became the head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, died earlier this year. His NO VOTE ON GAY UNION BLESSINGS Reverend Dr Karl Johnson Rev. Devon Dick - Boulevard Baptist Church members strike matter from meeting agenda - Not being considered at any level, says global leader PLEASE SEE UNION, 7 THE ROYAL Ethiopian Trust has made a US$5,000 donation to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery efforts. The disclosure was made by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, at last Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. Grange read a letter from Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, grandson of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassi, addressed to Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, which outlined the donation. “I would like to express my deepest condolence for the tragedy brought to Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa. The loss of life and the damage to Jamaica’s infrastructure brings sadness and raises challenges. I know that while you mourn what has been lost, you will lead Jamaica into a better future through the process of rebuilding,” he said. “In light of the long-standing bonds of friendship between Jamaica and Ethiopia, I want to do everything in my power to help you in that process. To that end I have authorised the Royal Ethiopian Trust, of which I am the patron, to make a US$5,000 donation to your Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which was sent by wire transfer a week ago,” he said. The Minister said fundraising efforts through the ‘I Love Jamaica’ series continue, noting that discussions are under way with several organisations and friends of Jamaica in major diaspora cities that have expressed interest in staging I Love Jamaica concerts in their areas. The initiative commenced with the I Love Jamaica virtual concert and telethon on Sunday, November 23. It was broadcast live on television in Jamaica and streamed across the world via social media. The telethon raised more than $65 million towards the national hurricane Melissa relief programme. Grange said $45.7 million has already been received and deposited to the Support Jamaica account. “Based on pledges made, we also anticipate that an additional sum of approximately $20 million will be received shortly and, in fact, we have started receiving those pledges,” she said. Grange noted that a number of Jamaicans in Hollywood – actors and actresses, producers and directors and friends of Jamaica – have also launched a campaign to raise funds towards Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief programme. - JIS News Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @ JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @ GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com. JAMAICA IS looking to partner with the Clinton Foundation to assist with Hurricane Melissa recovery, according to Minister Olivia Grange, who is in charge of Government. The announcement followed a meeting with former United States President Bill Clinton in St Andrew on Thursday. In a post on her official Facebook page, Grange said it was her pleasure to share the evening with Clinton at a private dinner hosted by Sandals hotel boss Ambassador Adam Stewart, along with senior members of the Government and other officials. “We remain deeply grateful for the tremendous support provided in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. We look forward to partnering with the Clinton Foundation,” said Grange who is leading Government as Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness travels overseas on official business. Grange said earlier on Thursday Clinton was taken on an aerial tour to observe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which slammed Jamaica on October 28 killing at least 45 persons and leaving more than a $1 trillion in damage. The Clinton Foundation is an international non-profit organisation known for its work in disaster recovery, health, climate resilience and economic development worldwide. Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @ GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@ gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com. Gov’t signals possible Clinton Foundation role in hurricane recovery Jamaica receives donation of US$5,000 from Royal Ethiopian Trust Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Contributed Via Olivia Grange/ Facebook Minister Olivia Grange, who is charge of the Jamaican Government, meets with former United States President Bill Clinton in St Andrew on December 4, 2025 to discuss potential partnership with the Clinton Foundation in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
7 successor, Pope Leo, said it was “highly unlikely, certainly in the near future,” that Church doctrine on sexuality or marriage would change. “Any issue dealing with the LGBTQ questions is highly polarising,” he said in a September interview with a US journalist, adding: “I’m trying not to continue to polarise or promote polarisation in the Church.” He stressed support for “the traditional family”, which “is father, mother, and children.” “I, at the moment, don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the Church on the topic,” Leo said, but noted that he was “certainly willing to continue to listen to people”. Asked if the matter was being discussed within the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU), which is the national umbrella organisation for thousands of Baptists in Jamaica, Dick responded in the negative. The pastor said he was also not prepared to bless same-sex unions personally. “Not at this time,” he told The Sunday Gleaner after a long pause, explaining he could find no scriptural basis to shift his view. In follow-up text messages, he added: “Also not at this time does not mean that I am considering a change or there will be a change shortly … . I disagree with the argument used by the Roman Catholics. They do not bless couples who are in common-law relationships. It is inconsistent, I believe. So my present conviction is against the blessing of same-sex couples. [I] cannot find any biblical warrant for it.” Still, Dick did not clearly explain why he sought to introduce the matter as an agenda item. He instead outlined the Baptist tradition of congregational democracy, contrasting it with denominations where bishops make central decisions. He said the JBU does not interfere at the local level and that it was “like a federation”. Separately, a 2020 report by the Arcus Foundation, a private grant-making organisation that advocates globally for LGBTQ rights, had named Reverend Dick as one of four “faithbased advocates and allies” in Jamaica. Others listed included Reverend Canon Garth Minnott and the Reverend Sean Major-Campbell of the Anglican Church, and the Reverend Marvia Lawes of Sligoville Baptist. WRITINGS WELL KNOWN “My writings are well known on the matter. I did an article years ago, which is in my book, which stated that bisexuality is greed. Perhaps I am seen as friendly because I am for decriminalisation of [sexual activities among homosexuals, once it is] between consenting adults. In addition, I welcome anyone to attend our worship services. I have had discussions with a group of LGBTQ in my office. Interestingly, one of them is against same-sex marriage … . That had nothing to do with [the] call for the vote,” Dick told The Sunday Gleaner. NO UNITED STATES PRESSURE He dismissed any suggestion that he was being pressured by the United States to hold the vote. “Couple people said [it[ is the USA pressuring me and [that] I want to migrate to USA, so I called for an indicative vote. That, too, is not true. No plans to migrate. Last one to jump ship. No one has ever filed for me,” he stated. The Arcus report also listed Jamaican religious institutions it works with to advance LGBTQ interests, including the Jamaica Council of Churches and the Jamaica Theological Seminary. At the same time, it named the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship and the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society as organisations it considered barriers to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) advancement. The report details plans to influence religious leadership through “capacity-development sessions for faith leaders”, describing a strategy of “strategically selecting faith leaders who are already allies and grooming them to deliver messages of SOGI rights”. One respondent suggested training “converted religious fundamentalists” who could “expose the dangers of fundamentalism”, while the broader recommendation was to invest in clergy already willing to work with LGBTQ communities. The Arcus document was based on a 2018 assessment by Initiatives for Human Rights (‘Synergía’), noting that HIV-related work had long served as an entry point for advancing SOGI issues in the region but warning that organisations receiving funding were weak in human rights capacity. The stated aim of the report was “to map faith work in the Caribbean that supports the advancement of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) human rights” and to document “faith-based initiatives that address the advancement of SOGI rights”. NOT ON ANY AGENDA Meanwhile, Reverend Karl Johnson, chairman of the Global Council of the Baptist World Alliance and former general secretary of the JBU, said the issue is not on the agenda of any Baptist body. “It is not a matter on the denomination’s agenda locally. It is not a matter on the Baptist World Alliance agenda. I know of no JBU congregation that has this on its agenda,” he said in response to Sunday Gleaner questions. “In the Baptist Church, the members’ meeting is the highest decision-making body, so the vote to remove it from the agenda is saying that it is a matter they are not prepared to discuss,” he added. Johnson said because of the autonomy of the local congregation, the world body could do nothing about decisions taken at that level. “As a world body, we couldn’t do anything. When you think about the Baptist Church, probably you need to know this: ... we believe in what you call the autonomy of the local church,” he stressed. Johnson also said he has not yet held discussions with Dick on the issue, but again reiterated that neither his nor Dick’s personal positions would be of any moment if the church had voted yes. “Even if the world body were to take a position. Any, any individual country or church can disagree,” he stated. erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com UNION Continued from, P2 The Boulevard Baptist Church, on Washington Boulevard. FILE THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
I THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | 9 continued with her move to HSBC as a supervisor and then it was on to Bear Sterns. Roach-Wilson was to spend the longest working time at Bear Sterns, staying there for over 10 years. At Bear Sterns she was involved in bonds, working on the capital market desk, and working on emerging markets such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominica Republic, among other countries. In conjunction with Royland Campbell, who was with Capital and Credit Bank, Roach-Wilson started her own financial consulting firm, Alsion Road Group, that yielded much success, working with many top US financial firms as well as countries across the region. It was while in this position that she first floated the idea of a Diaspora Bond for Jamaica. “I looked at various models and settled on the Indian model and it closely fitted the Jamaican Diaspora needs,” she said. The idea of a Diaspora Bond is still floating around without any concrete efforts being made to implement such a financial instrument, although government officials have expressed warmth for the idea. In 2016, according to Roach Wilson, she was approached by the Jamaican government to take the post of Consul General to New York, an option that she rejected at the time. However, in 2019, she was again approached to become Consul General to New York and this time around she accepted the job, which she has held for nearly five years. As Consul General to New York, she oversees the largest diplomatic territory, which includes 33 states in the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Bermuda. Since becoming Consul General, Roach Wilson has made investments in Jamaica a focal part of her portfolio, arranging and hosting several investments seminars in New York and elsewhere and giving Jamaicans an opportunity to see the value and worth of investing in their homeland. But she is not fully satisfied with her accomplishments as Consul General so far. “There is so much more to be accomplished both for Jamaica and the Diaspora and I am determined to ensure that such accomplishments become a reality,” she told The Gleaner. She has already overseen a move by the Consulate to bigger and more space, but wants to use the new location to showcase more of Jamaica’s cultural heritage. editorial@gleanerjm.com Published July 2019 Jamaica’s consul general to New York, Alsion Wilson, presents Irwine Clare, CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle, with a letter detailing a donation of US$5,000 towards their fundraising efforts. The amount was made by Greg Fisher, managing director of Jeffries LLC. In addition, the consul general presented seven travel certificates from JetBlue airlines. CONTRIBUTED Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Alsion Roach-Wilson and her husband Omar Wilson. PHOTO BY ASHLEY ANGUIN THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
I THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 9
11 CG Wilson, her life, her work Co-founder of VP Records, Patricia Chin makes a presentation of a collection of VP Records to Consul General Alsion Wilson at the opening of the VP Records Exhibition. The event, titled: A Reggae Music Journey was hosted at the Jamaican Consulate in New York. Looking on from left, are; VP Records’ Vice President for Business Development Richard Lue, Christopher Chin and Vice President of VP Marketing and Sales, Aaron Talbert. Consul General Alsion Wilson (centre) stands with some of the recipients of the Consul General’s Heritage Awards 2019 including; Clement “Ras Clem” Hume, Groovin’ Radio; Clive Williams of Where Itz At Media Group, Inc; Assemblyman N. Nick Perry; Councilwoman Shanae Williams; Claudette Powell, RN; Shauna Chin, Goodwill Ambassador and Mark Lawrence of Tasty Delicious West Indian Bakery & Restaurant. CONTRIBUTED Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson (centre) along with (from left); Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s Consular General to New York, Alsion Wilson and husband Recardo Omar Wilson, join with the congregation in the singing of Jamaican patriotic songs at the 63rd Independence service of thanksgiving at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood New Jersey. From left; Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret) Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the UN Brian Wallace, and US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke pause for a photograph at Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary of Independence Gala at Manhattan’s Marriott Marquis ballroom on Saturday, August 23. CG Alsion Wilson welcomes Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager to New York at the start of the Friends of Falmouth symposium in Brooklyn New York in May, 2023. PHOTOS BY DERRICK SCOTT New York City Mayor Eric Adams (second left) with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (left); Earl Jarrett, CEO of the Jamaica National Group; share the spotlight with Jamaica’s Consul General in New York Alsion Wilson. CONTRIBUTED Jamaica Consular General to New York, Alsion Wilson displays the citation declaring Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary of Independence Thanksgiving Day in the city of Englewood. It was presented to her by the city’s Mayor, Micheal Waldes (right), joining at left is Jamaica’s Ambassador Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE1
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