Jamaican pastor, Rosemarie G. Roth, was honored by United States Congressman, the Honorable Darren Soto, for her service to her community in Central Florida, on June 18, 2024, . In his presentation to the US Congress on her behalf, Representative Soto cited the pastor’s commitment to community building and advocacy in “the true spirit” of community service, along with her success in establishing organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in Central Florida.
“Overwhelmed with gratitude”
Commenting on her recognition in Congress, Roth said, “I felt profoundly overwhelmed with gratitude upon being recognized. And to see how many folks took time out of their day to show their support. Thank God it was not my funeral! The congressman’s thank you on behalf of the many who couldn’t express their appreciation brought tears to my eyes. It was daunting, almost scary, to hear that my work was appreciated. I feel encouraged to do more.”
Twenty years of service
Pastor Roth, who was ordained in 1994, has been helping the communities of Central Florida for some two decades. Beginning her work in 1991 when she served as president of the Organ Donation Foundation, her commitment to community advocacy and volunteerism has never wavered. She is a volunteer with Our Legacy at Advent Health, and with her grandmother, Lydell C. Dawkins, founded the Christian center, Alpha Point, Inc. in 1994. Alpha Point currently serves as a resource through which community advocates offer free meals and groceries to those in need. It also facilitates relationships with local churches, schools, and businesses to create opportunities for community engagement and outreach. The pastor also provides free pre-marital counseling in the state of Florida and conducts weddings and funerals for free. She also works as an end-of-life doula and offers housing referrals and supplies to individuals with poor health prognoses. Her years of service have provided her with a wealth of knowledge to share, and she has written 17 nonfiction. She also writes about her cultural and life experiences for the monthly Caribbean American Passport News Magazine.
A love for the people
The legacy of Pastor Roth will ultimately reflect her love for people and the feelings of joy she experiences when bringing them information that fosters hope. Welcomed at Chambers Park in the City of Kissimmee, the pastor organizes a sewing class and book club to encourage an educational environment for children. In addition to being a mother and grandmother, Pastor Roth has also served as a former head of the Jamaican Cultural Connection, Inc.; the secretary of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.; the co-host of the radio program, “Life: Raw & Real” on the CRRFM Radio Network; outreach director for the Global Jamaica Diaspora, which covers 13 states in the southern US; and president of the Citrus Ridge Merchant Association, Inc. The pastor views her calling as meeting human needs, and she believes that if she can help someone “lighten their load,” she will work to do so.
