Tributes are pouring in from across Jamaica and the diaspora following the passing of Alsion Roach Wilson, Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, who died Friday after a four-year battle with breast cancer. She was 64.
The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York confirmed her passing, noting that Wilson continued to serve with dedication despite her illness. A former Wall Street executive, a wife and mother, she had led the consulate since 2019, overseeing Jamaica’s interests across 33 U.S. states, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico.
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“I’m saddened by the passing of the Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Alsion Roach Wilson. She was a committed diplomat who strengthened our ties with Jamaica and the Jamaican community. My condolences to her family, staff, and the entire Jamaican and diplomatic community.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness also paid tribute, describing Wilson as “an outstanding Jamaican public servant whose life was defined by service, patriotism, and love for her country.”
“Long before her appointment as Consul General, Alsion was already serving Jamaica from the diaspora. Through her work in the financial sector, she continuously found ways to give back to her homeland,” Holness said.
“I first became aware of her remarkable contributions years ago when, as Minister of Education, I was invited to officiate at an event where a charity she organized was handing over hundreds of computers to Jamaican schools… Her service deepened further during the COVID-19 pandemic when she went far beyond the call of duty to mobilize medical equipment and supplies for Jamaica.”
“Even as she faced her own health battles, Alsion never slowed down. Her resilience, generosity, and unshakable sense of duty will forever remain an inspiration,” he added. “Rest well, Alsion. Thank you for your unwavering love and dedication to Jamaica. You have left behind a powerful legacy of service, compassion, and excellence.”
Consul General for the Southern USA, Oliver Mair, was among the first to share his grief publicly, writing:
“RIP CG Wilson. I received the horrible news this morning and hoped it was not so. You did an exceptional job as Consul General serving Jamaicans at home and abroad. You fought illness with bravery and determination. Fiercely loyal to the upliftment of our country. My deepest condolences to your entire family. Walk good CG… we will miss you.”
Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Wilson attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn and the American Business Institute, School of Business, before launching a successful career in finance. She held leadership roles including Vice President and Associate Director at Bear Stearns, Director of Finance at Greylock Capital Management LLC, and President and CEO of The Alsion Roach Group, LLC, where she managed portfolios exceeding US$1 billion. She was also the founder of Cyberlock Solutions, LLC, a cybersecurity firm.
Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Ethics, and Public Policy from Lehman College in New York. Just last month, she was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) at King’s House for her service to Jamaica, though it was unclear if she was able to travel home for the ceremony.
As Consul General, Wilson was known for her tireless advocacy for Jamaicans in the diaspora, particularly in education, business development, and humanitarian initiatives. She was often described as a “bridge between Jamaica and the United States.”
Holness said, “Alsion was a devoted daughter of Jamaica who ensured that our diaspora was well represented and that our country’s presence was felt on the world stage.”
Her colleagues and the wider diaspora community remember her as a trailblazer, a patriot, and a woman of deep compassion.
“Everyone who knew Alsion knows that she lived and breathed Jamaica,” Holness added. “She always contributed to our nation’s development and, for many years, was a bridge between Jamaica and the United States. Alsion leaves behind a great legacy. She will be most dearly missed.”
Wilson’s passing marks the end of a distinguished chapter in Jamaica’s diplomatic history — one defined by resilience, vision, and unwavering service to her people.
