The Jamaican diaspora community in New York has posthumously honored former Consul General Alison Roach-Wilson for her exceptional diplomatic service and community leadership. Roach-Wilson, who passed away in November at age 62 following a battle with breast cancer, served as Jamaica’s top diplomat to New York since 2019 until her untimely death.
On March 1, the Bleu & Bougie event series organizers paid tribute to Roach-Wilson’s legacy during a special ceremony at New Rochelle’s Greentree Country Club. The organization established the Alison Roach-Wilson Legacy Award, which was presented to her husband Omar and their three children—Brian, Patrick, and Vanessa—in recognition of her profound impact on the Jamaican community.
Jerry McDonald, founder and CEO of Bleu & Bougie, characterized Roach-Wilson as the embodiment of excellence, purpose, and meaningful impact. ‘The CG was not only a diplomat but a servant of Jamaica who uplifted the diaspora at every level,’ McDonald stated. ‘She represented Jamaica with grace and an unwavering commitment to community.’
Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Roach-Wilson migrated to the United States as a teenager, attending Erasmus High School and the American Business Institute in New York. Before her diplomatic appointment, she built an impressive corporate career, serving as vice president and associate director at Bear Stearns, director of finance at Greylock Capital Management, and as president and CEO of The Alison Roach Group, LLC. She also demonstrated entrepreneurial vision by founding Cyberlock Solutions, a cybersecurity company.
In a fitting capstone to her distinguished career, Roach-Wilson received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction (Commander class)—the nation’s sixth-highest honor—just one month before her passing. The newly created award ensures that her legacy of service and dedication to the Jamaican diaspora will continue to be recognized and celebrated.