I THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: 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 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 -Jamaican diaspora mourns Alsion Roach Wilson, consul general to New York THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE1 PLEASE SEE REST, 15 ‘A profound loss’ 14 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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