Lyndon Taylor, founder & CEO of Lyndon Taylor & Associates, recently expressed the deep sorry he felt as he said goodbye to Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, as hundreds gathered on Friday, Dec. 5, to celebrate the diplomat.
“It was a dignified and deeply heartfelt farewell for Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, as hundreds gathered at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved diplomat,” Taylor said in a statement to Caribbean Life. “The three-hour service drew an impressive assembly of political leaders, diplomats, business figures, community advocates and members of the Jamaican Diaspora, each united in tribute to a woman remembered as a visionary public servant and a dynamic trailblazer for Jamaica,” said Taylor.
“Leading the delegation was Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. The Hon. Andrew Holness, who traveled to New York to honor Wilson’s extraordinary impact,” Taylor added. “He was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith; Jamaica’s Ambassador, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson; Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; and State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce Delano Seiveright, among other dignitaries.”
He said the service opened with a stirring video tribute from gospel recording artist Dr. Glacia Robinson, followed by prayer from Bishop Dr. Cecil Riley of the Freedom Hall Church of God in Brooklyn. What followed was a steady outpouring of tributes from across sectors: business, diplomacy, education, philanthropy, and the arts, each painting a portrait of a woman whose influence reached far beyond the walls of the Consulate General of Jamaica.
“Throughout the ceremony, speakers recalled Wilson’s devotion to service, her strategic diplomatic leadership, and her unwavering commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s global footprint. She was celebrated as an advocate for Jamaicans everywhere, one who carried her nation’s interests with grace, determination, and innovation,” noted Taylor
Prime Minister Holness, in his tribute, praised Wilson for transforming the expectations of her office.
“Consul General Wilson was not content to merely occupy an office,” he said. “She reimagined what a Consulate could be, and through her vision, she elevated Jamaica’s presence in New York and throughout the 33 states under her jurisdiction.”
Appointed in 2019, Wilson spent six years reshaping the Consulate’s role, forging connections in investment, culture, diaspora engagement, education, and public service. Her leadership, Holness noted, “expanded Jamaica’s reach and deepened its relationship with the global Jamaican community.”
Taylor, a freelance Journalist, noted that the service also featured an emotional musical tribute from Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage. For the first time, he performed “Where My Heart Belongs,” a song he had written years earlier but never performed LIVE, alongside his well-loved hit “People Like You.” His performance moved many in the congregation to tears, encapsulating the affection and respect Wilson commanded.
“As the ceremony ended, the prevailing sentiment was clear: Alsion Wilson had left an indelible mark,” Taylor added. “Her tenure as Consul General was defined by bold leadership, compassionate advocacy, and an unwavering passion for Jamaica’s progress. CG Wilson’s send-off reflected not only her accomplishments but also the profound love and admiration she inspired throughout her community.
In her passing, Jamaica has lost a dedicated servant, but her legacy, many agreed, will continue to guide those committed to the nation she so dearly championed, said Taylor.
