I THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | 15 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. editorial@gleanerjm.com Published November 2025 TRIBUTE Continued from, P3 Kamina Johnson Smith Major General Anthony Anderson Michelle Tulloch-Neil Dr. Karren Dunkley Dr Robert Clarke Christopher Chaplin THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE1 THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2025 - JANUARY 7, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE
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