The Jamaica Consulate General in New York on Wednesday, Nov. 19, announced the Celebration of the Life for Consul General Alsion Marie Roach-Wilson, CD, who died at her home in New York on Saturday, Nov. 8, according to Jamaica Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith.
Roach-Wilson was 62. She was born on Feb. 21, 1963.
The Consul General of Jamaica in New York said the funeral service will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 11 a.m., at Community Baptist Church of Englewood, 224 1st St., Englewood, New Jersey 07631.
“Join the family in thanksgiving for her life, honoring her distinguished service, her remarkable spirit, and her enduring love for Jamaica and its people,” the Consulate General said.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace,” it added.
In the meantime, Caribbean-American legislators in New York continue to pay tribute to Roach-Wilson.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, extended “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to Roach-Wilson’s husband, Omar, and to the family, colleagues, staff, and loved ones.
“On a very personal note, I am extremely heartbroken by the news of the passing of my dear friend and sister, Alsion Roach-Wilson,” Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, told Caribbean Life. “Beyond her distinguished service to the Jamaican people, Caribbean-American and diplomatic communities, Alsion was someone whose spirit radiated warmth, compassion, and authenticity, above all else to others. She was, indeed, my sister in service.
“In her role as Consul General, Alsion served with extraordinary dedication and pride,” the U.S. Rep. added. “She was a tireless champion for the Jamaican National community and its Diaspora, always willing to listen, advocate, and fight for the needs of the community.
“She has left a lasting legacy through her tireless body of work in national development in education, technology, and healthcare,” she continued. “But it was her kindness, humility, and generosity, reflected through her philanthropic work, that defined her most.”
Clarke said she will “cherish the memories” of their conversations, their shared commitment to their Caribbean heritage, and the laughter along the way.
“May we honor Alsion’s legacy by continuing to serve with the same love, passion, and devotion she embodied,” she said. “And may her soul rest in eternal and perfect peace.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” added Clarke, quoting Matthew 25:23.
Photo courtesy Office of New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn
New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life that she was “deeply saddened” by Roach-Wilson’s passing.
“She was a proud Jamaican whose leadership and dedication to service strengthened the bridge between Jamaica and its Diaspora,” said Bichotte-Hermelyn, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, stating that Roach-Wilson was known for her “compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the Jamaican community here in New York and abroad.
“Her impact will continue to be felt by the many lives she touched,” she added. “As a fellow Caribbean woman and representative of Brooklyn’s vibrant Caribbean community, I join Jamaicans across the globe in mourning this tremendous loss.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, loved ones, and the entire Jamaican community,” Bichotte-Hermelyn continued. “May her legacy of excellence, resilience, and love for her people continue to shine brightly.”
New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie, whose grandmother hailed from Jamaica, said he was also “deeply saddened to learn” of Roach-Wilson’s passing.
Myrie, who represents the 20th Senate District in Brooklyn, said that Roach-Wilson was “a tireless advocate for the Jamaican people and a true bridge between the island and its vibrant Diaspora here in New York.
“Her leadership, compassion and dedication to service strengthened our Caribbean community and inspired so many across Brooklyn and beyond,” he told Caribbean Life. “She represented Jamaica with grace and pride, always working to uplift and unite her people.
“I’m honored to represent one of the largest communities of Jamaican-American and other West Indian people in the New York State Senate, and I join our Caribbean community in mourning Consul General Wilson,” Myrie added. “My thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and legacy.”
In a post on the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York Facebook page, Johnson Smith said that Roach-Wilson “served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence during her tenure from July 2019 to present.
“She was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander by the Government of Jamaica, a fitting recognition of her work and impact,” Johnson Smith said. “She was a warm and generous human being who exemplified professionalism, loyalty to country, and friendship to the world.
“On behalf of the Government of Jamaica and its people, including the Diaspora in the United States, I extend deepest condolences to her husband and the rest of the family,” she added. “May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Juliet Holness – currently serving as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for St. Andrew East Rural in Jamaica, and who is the wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness – also said in a Facebook post that she was “deeply saddened by the passing of Alison Roach Wilson, a dear friend, and Consul General of Jamaica to New York.
“Alsion was a true ambassador for Jamaica – her warmth, professionalism, and tireless advocacy for our people in the Diaspora reflected her deep commitment to national service,” Mrs. Holness said. “Through her leadership, she strengthened connections between Jamaicans abroad and at home, always representing our country with dignity and pride.
“Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her and those she served with such dedication,” she added. “My deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, and the Jamaican community she worked so passionately to uplift.
“May her soul find eternal rest, and may her legacy of service and compassion live on in all of us,” Mrs. Holness continued.
On its website, The CFA Society New York, which has been a leading forum for the investment community since 1937, said that Roach-Wilson’s “inspiring journey” began in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.
It said she attended Erasmus Hill School, Brooklyn, and the American Business Institute, School of Business, embarking on a “life–changing journey in the United States.”
“Fueled by the love and support of her family and educational mentors, Alsion was instilled with a powerful determination to succeed,” the CFA Society New York said.
It said that, in July 2019, she assumed the role of Jamaica’s 11th Consul General to New York, “taking on the responsibility for Jamaica’s nationals and interests in 33 states within the United States, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico.”
Prior to her appointment as Consul General, the CFA Society New York said Roach Wilson accumulated extensive experience in the financial sector, working for renowned financial services companies in various significant roles.
The CFA Society New York said “her journey” includes being a former vice president and associate director at Bear Stearns, as well as the past president and chief executive officer of The Alsion Roach Group, LLC (ARG), and director of finance at Greylock Capital Management LLC and related entities, where she managed over a billion United States dollars.
Additionally, the CFA Society New York said she founded Cyberlock Solutions, LLC, a cybersecurity company.
The CFA Society New York said Roach-Wilson’s belief in giving back to the community was “boundless.”
It said that she founded the Jamaica Open New York (JONY) Golf Championship, “a pivotal event during Jamaica‘s 52nd Independence anniversary celebrations in New York City, fostering a vibrant and productive relationship between New York City and the Caribbean community.”
As a dedicated ambassador and long–term charity sponsor, The CFA Society New York said Roach-Wilson supported the Palmyra Foundation and Books4Kids Jamaica.
It stated that she collaborated with noted American Actor and TV host Steve Harvey and the Caribbean Celebrity Golf Invitational (CCGI) Foundation, providing over 700 computers to various primary schools in Jamaica, “empowering the young generation in today’s technology–driven society.”
Over the years, the CFA Society New York has stated that Roach-Wilson received numerous awards, including the Bear Stearns Award of Excellence, the Woman Celebrating Woman Award, and the Jamaican Honors Society Order of Distinction (O.D.), among others.
In February 2021, the CFA Society New York said Roach-Wilson joined the Board of the Rose Town Foundation, Jamaica, “an organization aligned with The Prince’s Foundation, led by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles of Wales, further amplifying her commitment to philanthropy.”
The CFA Society New York stated that on July 19, 2023, Roach-Wilson assumed the chair of the CARICOM Consular Corps in New York.
“In this role, she spearheads efforts to advance the multifaceted agenda of the region, focusing on investment promotion, Caribbean Diaspora Engagement, and Sustainable Partnerships,” it stated.
The CFA Society New York said she also led collaborative efforts with municipal authorities in New York “to strengthen relations between the host country and the Caribbean region.”
