FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida— More than sixty senior leaders from across the Caribbean diaspora gathered in South Florida on December 9 for the launch of WHISTLE, a new leadership platform created to unite Caribbean-rooted leaders around shared purpose, economic advancement, and long-term impact.

The initiative comes at a time when Jamaica and several neighbouring islands continue to navigate the effects of climate change and economic downturn, underscoring the growing importance of diaspora leadership and coordinated regional action.

Founded by Trinidadian-born Denise Williams and Stacey Luces, WHISTLE aims to strengthen collaboration across the diaspora and provide structured pathways for influence, leadership development, and coordinated action.

“Capital flies as fast as trust, let’s build a future where we trust each other and move with courage,” said Dr Keith Levy, chairman of JN Bank and managing partner at Visionario Venture Capital. Levy noted that rebuilding regional economies, restoring confidence, and advancing shared Caribbean priorities all depend on leaders trusting one another and acting together.

Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism (Sales USA) and acting deputy director of tourism for the Americas, reminds leaders that one of the greatest gifts to countries recovering from natural disasters is simply to visit. Tourism remains vital to Caribbean economies, from hotels and taxi operators to farmers and small businesses who rely directly on visitor spend.

Throughout the evening, members contributed cash and kind donations through the Breaking Healthcare Barriers to provide free and accessible health care to communities in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. Supporting the mission of this foundation activated WHISTLE’s philanthropic arm: We WHISTLE With Love.

“Leaders across the diaspora showed up not just to connect, but to build with purpose. WHISTLE exists because we are done rising alone,” said Stacey Luces, WHISTLE’s chief purpose officer. Luces is recognised for decades of work in public systems, executive leadership, membership organisations, and philanthropy across the Caribbean and the United States.

WHISTLE’s founders have promised to activate its membership model, expand leadership programmes, and strengthen partnerships ahead of its full global launch in January 2026. This includes the WHISTLE Next Gen platform which will invest in developing the next generation of Caribbean-rooted leaders, including mentorship and networking opportunities for young persons of Caribbean descent.

“Our leaders are ready for a platform that aligns influence, grows wealth, and drives collective impact,” said Denise Williams, WHISTLE’s chief impact officer.

Williams has led growth and marketing strategy for major corporations in Jamaica, Trinidad, and the diaspora across banking and finance, telecommunications and other sectors.