JAMLEO establishes legacy award in honor of late Jamaican Consul General Alsion Roach-Wilson

The NYPD Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization (JAMLEO) has announced the establishment of the Consul General Alsion Roach-Wilson Legacy Award in honor of Jamaica's late consul general to New York, marking the first anniversary of her death.

The announcement follows JAMLEO's annual gala held last Saturday and comes one year after Roach-Wilson died on November 8, 2025, following a battle with cancer.

The award will recognize an individual who embodies the qualities and values that defined the late consul general's life and service, including leadership, resilience, community engagement and a commitment to strengthening ties between Jamaica and its diaspora.

“CG Roach-Wilson was a trailblazer—one who advanced Jamaica-diaspora relations, uplifted communities, demonstrated resilience and leadership, and championed cultural pride,” said Lieutenant Danae McFarlane, president of JAMLEO.

The award will be presented annually during JAMLEO's Heritage Night, an event designated by the NYPD to celebrate Jamaica's culture, heritage and contributions to the diaspora.

Heritage Night was established in August 2024, when Jamaica's annual Independence Gala in New York could not be held because of Roach-Wilson's battle with cancer. JAMLEO created the event to bring the Jamaican community together and ensure that the island's Independence celebrations remained a focal point of cultural pride and engagement.

The initiative has since provided a platform to highlight Jamaica's heritage, strengthen diaspora connections and celebrate the contributions of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Remembering a distinguished diplomat

Roach-Wilson served as Jamaica's consul general to New York from July 2019 until her death in November 2025 at age 62. Her diplomatic responsibilities extended across 33 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Bermuda, making hers one of Jamaica's largest consular jurisdictions.

Born in Redwood, St. Catherine, Roach-Wilson migrated to the United States in 1980 and built a successful career in finance before entering diplomatic service.

She held senior positions in the American financial sector, including at Bear Stearns and Greylock Capital Management, and brought her experience in investment and economic development to her diplomatic role.

During her tenure, she worked to strengthen Jamaica's relationships with its overseas communities, promote investment opportunities and support initiatives in education, technology and health care.

Her contributions were recognized by the Jamaican government in 2025 when she was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for her work in national development, particularly in education, technology and strengthening health care capacity.

At her celebration of life service in Englewood, New Jersey, on December 5, 2025, Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented the insignia of the national honor to her widower, Omar Wilson.

The service drew hundreds of mourners, including government officials, diplomats, community leaders and members of the Jamaican diaspora.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith also paid tribute to Roach-Wilson following her death, praising her dedication to Jamaica and the communities she served.

JAMLEO's continued commitment to service

Meanwhile, JAMLEO's annual gala remains an important fundraising initiative, supporting Jamaica and its diaspora through scholarships and contributions to humanitarian causes.

Founded on January 24, 2020, JAMLEO brings together law enforcement professionals of Jamaican descent to promote professional development, cultural awareness, community service and greater Jamaican representation in law enforcement.

The organization has also expanded its educational outreach. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, JAMLEO provided full tuition assistance to 84 students in Jamaica during their final year of high school over the past two years.

Speaking at the organization's recent gala, Jamaica's current consul general to New York, Oliver Mair, commended JAMLEO's contributions to law enforcement and the wider Jamaican community, including its mentorship programs, scholarship initiatives and efforts to preserve Jamaican cultural heritage.

Mair encouraged continued support for the organization's scholarship program as Jamaica prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary of Independence in 2027.

Through these initiatives, JAMLEO continues to strengthen connections between Jamaica and its overseas communities while creating opportunities for young people.

The establishment of the Consul General Alsion Roach-Wilson Legacy Award adds another dimension to that mission, ensuring that her contributions to diplomacy, community development and Jamaican cultural pride continue to be recognized for generations to come.