By Dessalines Ferdinand
For three years, businessman and philanthropist Prinston Jean-Glaude led the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF), continuing the work initiated by his predecessor, Dr. Lumana Joseph (2021-2023). Incorporated in Florida on February 7, 2005, HACCOF has evolved into one of the most visible platforms promoting entrepreneurship, professional networking and economic empowerment within the Haitian-American community of South Florida.
From 2023 to 2026, Jean-Glaude served as chairman, guiding initiatives aimed at strengthening business relationships, encouraging investment and expanding the presence of Haitian-owned enterprises in the regional economy. At the conclusion of his mandate, the board of directors deemed his contribution significant enough to merit a formal tribute.
A special tribute in Pembroke Pines
On Friday, February 20, HACCOF hosted a ceremony titled “Special Tribute Prinston Jean-Glaude” at Kasa Champet Restaurant in Pembroke Pines. The gathering was intentionally intimate, bringing together a select audience of business leaders, partners and close collaborators of the organization.
Board members designed the event as an expression of appreciation for the leadership and lasting impact of the immediate past chairman. Jean-Glaude was accompanied by members of his family — his wife Edwige Jean-Glaude, his daughter Priscilla and his sister-in-law Dr. Alie Darbouze — along with several staff members from branches of his primary medical clinics.
The evening formally began around 7 p.m. with welcoming remarks from Mistress of Ceremony Candice Mondesir, HACCOF’s Executive Director.
Swearing-in and official recognition
One of the first major moments of the program was the swearing-in ceremony of the new board members, administered by a Miami-Dade County Circuit Court judge Tanya Brinkley, symbolically marking the transition of leadership within the chamber.
Shortly afterward, Dr. Stephanie S. Thomas, DHSc, MPA, the organization’s new secretary, presented, on behalf of North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, the Key to the City to Prinston Jean-Glaude, one of the municipality’s highest honors, recognizing both his leadership and his service to the community.
Visibly moved, Jean-Glaude stressed that the recognition belonged not to him alone but to the entire team that worked alongside him. He thanked the mayor, HACCOF members and his family, emphasizing that every accomplishment during his tenure was the result of collective effort. In a lighthearted moment, he added that now that he had received the key, it symbolically belonged to everyone who supported him, wherever he goes, they go with him.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a selection of drinks and Haitian cuisine served during the reception, while the quartet band “Anbyans Kreyol” provided live musical entertainment. Their performance created a warm and festive atmosphere, allowing attendees to mingle and celebrate as the program transitioned into a more social gathering, with the music continuing until approximately 9:30 p.m. Mrs. Naed Jasmin Desire (Scale Up 305 Operation Manager) also delighted the audience with a set of two songs.
A portrait of leadership
Another emotional highlight came with the screening of a pre-recorded video presentation entitled “Honoring Leadership and Legacy: A Tribute to Prinston Jean-Glaude.” The well produced video combined images from the past three years with testimonials from colleagues and partners.
Speakers portrayed Jean-Glaude as a leader guided by faith, humility and compassion. Several testimonies emphasized his ability to recognize potential in others and to encourage young professionals and entrepreneurs. Many contributors noted that he made people feel valued and respected, and that although his term had ended, his influence would continue to shape the organization.
The presentation concluded with a collective pledge from the chamber’s members to preserve the foundation he strengthened, build upon the standards he established and carry forward the work he advanced. The final message, addressed to both Jean-Glaude and his family, expressed gratitude and affirmed the lasting legacy of his service.
Initiatives and accomplishments
Throughout the evening, speakers also highlighted the concrete initiatives implemented during his chairmanship. Among the most notable was the Emerging Business, Healthcare and Innovation Summit, a forum connecting entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and technology leaders — reflecting his belief that economic development and public health progress must go hand in hand.
He also created the Leading Ladies of HACCOF, an annual recognition honoring outstanding women in the community, and launched the Business Pitch Competition, which distributed $37,500 in grants to local entrepreneurs over the past three years.
Jean-Glaude strengthened the chamber’s flagship programs by expanding the popular Sunday networking brunch and reinforcing YOPO (Young Professionals Organization) activities. He reintroduced the microloan program, securing $20,000 for its pilot phase; two businesses have already benefited and are successfully repaying their loans.
On the educational side, he broadened partnerships with academic institutions, including collaboration with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine through the Junior Doctors of Tomorrow program, encouraging youth to pursue healthcare careers. He also invested in the organization’s studio infrastructure and laid the groundwork for the HACCOF Future Podcast, designed to amplify members’ voices and share professional knowledge.
Through these initiatives, Jean-Glaude positioned HACCOF in emerging fields and opened new avenues for community advancement while reinforcing the chamber’s mission of economic empowerment.
A new chapter under Momplaisir
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Momplaisir, the newly installed chairman of HACCOF, who delivered a message focused on responsibility and continuity. Thanking members for their trust, he said the role represents more than a title — it is a commitment to serve the community with humility, determination and dedication.
He outlined a clear vision: strengthening members through access to capital, education and professional networks, while increasing the chamber’s visibility by building stronger relationships with government agencies, corporate partners and sister chambers. Haitian-American businesses, he said, must not only participate in the economy but help lead it, and the chamber must remain bold, relevant and united.
Addressing the audience, he encouraged young professionals to see HACCOF as their platform for leadership while acknowledging the wisdom of seasoned entrepreneurs. He also publicly recognized founder Philippe Armand, immediate past chairman Prinston Jean-Glaude, former chair Dr. Lumana Joseph and several members who supported his journey within the organization.
Closing his remarks, Momplaisir offered a blessing for the chamber, its businesses and the State of Florida, welcoming the board members and recognizing Secretary Dr. Stephanie Thomas. His speech underscored a transition grounded in continuity — honoring past leadership while setting a forward-looking agenda for growth and community empowerment.
