By Dessalines Ferdinand
On Friday, April 14, the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) hosted the Installation Dinner and Community Awards. This event was held at the FIU-Kovens Conference Center in North Miami.
It was a full day of activities to officially mark the beginning of a new era chairmanship for this organization that was incorporated in Florida on February 7, 2005. According to its website, the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce (HACCOF) is a not-for-profit corporation that serves as the advocate for the community as well as resources for consumers and businesses dedicated to serving both the needs of its members and the economic development needs of the broader Haitian community.
April 14’s FIU-Kovens Conference event had two special moments. First, a special tribute to the outgoing chairperson.
Dr. Lumana Joseph, for her two years of leadership (2021-2023), and a welcome celebration for the new executive board officers, with Prinston Jean-Glaude as the new leader. Jean-Glaude is a longtime community philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Primary Medical Care Center, which established a name for itself in the medical sector in South Florida. He was appointed during the Miami-based organization’s annual membership meeting held last February at the Scott Galvin Center in North Miami.
To mark the reign of new leadership, HACCOF hosted an educative event earlier in the day entitled, “Haitian-American Emerging Business & Healthcare Innovation Summit” at FIU Biscayne campus conference room where several professionals from different sectors shared their knowledge with the participants.
HACCOF most recent Chairwoman, Dr. Lumana Joseph, PT, DPT, and North Miami Vice-Mayor Mary Estime-Irvin both welcomed the participants. Dr. Joseph stressed the importance of this summit, and Mrs. Irvin explained how and why the local government she is part of is proud to welcome this type of informative event for the city.
In his remarks as the opening keynote speaker, the new leader of HACCOF, Prinston Jean-Glaude said, “I am excited to be here this morning to welcome you all to the Haitian-American Emerging Businesses and Healthcare Innovation Summit. This event is a celebration of innovation, progress, and partnership, and I can’t wait to see how we can explore ways in which we can collectively make a difference in our communities.”
A total of three groups of panelists contributed to the summit. The first session was titled, “Innovation in Healthcare _ Digital Technology Transformation in Healthcare” and was paneled by Dr. Joseph Rubenstein M.D, Dr. Yolngel Hernandez Suarez M.D.; Dr. Stephen M. Black, Ph.D., and Ande Akinrele GHLP. Dr. Jennifer Njenga M.D. served as moderator.
The second session, “Wealth Creation- What are ways we can go about building wealth in the Haitian American Community?” was moderated by Vladimir Tranquille and gathered panelists Kris Doura, Jeffrey Coriolan, Myrlande Simeon, and Wettenny Joseph.
The third and last session of the summit was moderated by Fritz Clairvil and was titled, “Wealth Creation – How can we position the Haitian-American community to capture more private public partnership opportunities?” The participants heard about the experiences of Joe Celestin, Maritza Adonis, Maybelle Jadotte, and Jeff Lozama.
During those three sessions, participants heard diverse voices, perspectives and expertise from all sectors of civil society—government and policy, business and industry. The panelists shared vital information about how entrepreneurs in the medical sector can adapt to the digitalization of the current healthcare system as well how to use technology and news media/social media to conduct business in the region.
The summit’s audience was comprised of business owners, healthcare professionals, and citizens who are passionate about driving change and creating a better future in the interest of progress and positive impact. They shared good, insightful knowledge that can help others develop viable solutions to common and even less-than-common problems they are facing in their daily lives as professionals.
At the closing remarks of this event, which was sponsored by several local businesses such as Gables Smile, Primary Medical Care Center, Aetna, and Scale Up305, HACCOF’s new Chaiman Prinston Jean-Glaude said, “Your presence today is a testament to your commitment to making a difference in our communities, and we are honored to have you here with us. By listening and engaging with one another, we can create equitable solutions for us all.”
The Gala
Under the theme, “Special Tribute Dr. Lumana Joseph,” this celebratory gala took place later in the night at the same location, which had been converted into a ballroom. It started with an invocation/prayer after warm welcoming words from the MC, followed by both Haiti’s and USA’s national anthems.
A 15-minute tribute was dedicated to Dr. Joseph while attendees enjoyed a tasty salad as part of their dinner menu. Herve Bony, the former treasurer who left the board after serving for over six years, had the honor to introduce Dr. Joseph. Dr. Michael Joseph and Kerline Joseph were selected to talk about the main honoree of the night. On stage, a bouquet of flowers was presented to her as she received a proclamation from the city of North Miami.
For about ten minutes, Dr. Lumana Joseph addressed the audience, sharing her experience as chairperson during the last two years. She took some time to praise her colleagues on the board during her two years term. She showed respect and gratitude to her predecessor, Paola Pierre and successor Jean-Glaude Prinston for their support. “I am thankful to the board for supporting me during my term,” she said.
Following this wonderful moment was the installation of the 13 board members of the organization. Haitian-American Judge Lody Jean presided over the swearing -in ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, new Chairman Prinston Jean-Glaude said, “It is with great honor and humility that I stand before you tonight as the newly elected Chairman of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. I am humbled by the trust and confidence that you have placed in me to lead this esteemed organization, and I am committed to serving you with all my heart and soul.”
Jean-Glaude continued, “As many of you know, I have spent the majority of my career in healthcare, serving as the President of Primary Medical Care Centers. However, my passion for community service has always been a driving force in my life. That is why I have always been dedicated to giving back to the Haitian community, both in South Florida and abroad.”
He concluded by saying, “I want to say that I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as HACCOF’s Chairman. I pledge to serve you with integrity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Together, we will build a brighter future for our community and businesses in South Florida.”
As always, the gala came with a distribution of community awards. Among the honorees were: Jean Delva (Young Entrepreneur Award), Bishop Gregory Toussaint (Community Visionary Award), Judith Joseph (Distinction Award), Tamara Rodriguez (Women in Business Award), and Dr. Guerda Nicolas (Empowering Leader Award).
Afterward, renowned Haitian konpa band Harmonik entertained the crowd. Many attendees enjoyed a good time on the dance floor with some of the best hits from the Miami-based band. The party ended around 11pm.
HACCOF provides an incredible service to our South Florida community. While its primary focus is for Haitian-Americans and immigrants as well as friends and others back in the homeland, its founders, current board members, leaders, and supporters throughout the region understand that community is strengthen through diversity.
This event was a powerful reminder of the amazing strides we have achieved in this region and across the country. It’s also a wonderful reminder that each of us -Haitian or not- can contribute to the growth, development and strengthening of our Southern Florida community. Great things continue to be in store with the new Chairman and board members who are ready to take HACCOF to another level of greatness.
