Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke on Saturday paid tribute on the passing of Jamaica Consul General to New York Alsion Roach-Wilson.
Roach-Wilson died at her home in New York on Saturday.
‘On behalf of the people of New York’s 9th Congressional District, the Clarke family, and myself, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Omar, and to the family, colleagues, staff, and loved ones of the Hon. Alsion Roach-Wilson, CD, upon learning of her passing early this morning,’ said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, whose 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, is overwhelmingly Caribbean.
‘On a very personal note, I am extremely heartbroken by the news of the passing of my dear friend and sister, Alsion Roach-Wilson,’ added Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. ‘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 congresswoman continued. ‘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 said. ‘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.
In a post on the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York Facebook page, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akamai a Johnson Smith said 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,’ Holness said.