Caribbean Canada Leaders Dialogue 

Driven by a relentless passion to grow leadership competencies across the Commonwealth, the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conferences Inc Canada Charity Board, in collaboration with alumni, launched its 2025 program on May 22, 2025. 

Hosted in both Canada and the Caribbean, from May 22 to June 1, the CCLD 2025 , 100 participants from both regions leaders from business, government, labour, education and civil society, dialogues create the competencies and connections in support of the Canada and Caribbean community (CARICOM). 

We are pleased to showcase seven female delegates selected for the Caribbean Canada Leaders Dialogue: 

Culture & Tourism 

Kaché Knowles – Bahamas 

Kaché Knowles is the founder and Creative Marketing Director of ‘I is a Bahamian bey’– a brand that aims to provide a space for Bahamian culture and identity to flourish– with over 7 years of experience in brand management, digital marketing and content creation.  

In 2023, Kaché took on the role of Creative Marketing Director at ‘I is a Bahamian bey’, where she leads the development and execution of innovative marketing campaigns that educate and empower the importance of Bahamian words such as ‘muddasic’ or ‘tingum’ to both Bahmians and the world.  

“In The Bahamas, one of our most popular words or expressions is ‘bey.’—It has multiple definitions. You can address a person or begin a dialogue just by saying it. Some people say it’s spelled ‘bui’ others say it’s ‘bei.’ This is a constant debate among Bahamians and it can get pretty heated. It was this debate that sparked the creation of ‘I is a Bahamian bey’ in 2019. I observed so much passion around the spelling of this word—a word that regardless of spelling meant the same thing— that I wanted to create something that celebrated the nuanced differences that made us unique and the similarities that should undoubtedly unite us.” 

Beyond her professional skills, Kaché is deeply connected to her Bahamian heritage. Growing up on a small island in The Bahamas called ‘Eleuthera’, she was influenced by her grandmother’s storytelling and the rich cultural traditions of The Bahamas. This connection to her roots led her to create ‘I is a Bahamian bey’ in 2019, a brand dedicated to celebrating Bahamian language and culture. What started as a passion project has since evolved into a thriving business, resonating with people who share her love for The Bahamas. 

“My vision for elevating the Caribbean is rooted in the recognition of our culturally rich history. It’s grounded in the fact that our region is rife with untapped potential that shouldn’t be exploited, but carefully constructed by the people who give life to the communities that keep our cultures alive. I have always believed in the power of collaboration and I am adamant in the belief that we are stronger together. The Caribbean is more than beaches and tourism. It’s food, art, science and history. It’s language and traditions and generations of innovation– past, present and future. When we draw our roadmaps of success, these things should be the quantifiers.” 

 

Leadership & Empowerment 

Lizra Fabien – Dominica 

Lizra Fabien is a dynamic Caribbean leader from Dominica, widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to economic growth, women’s empowerment, and transformational leadership across the region and beyond. Lizra is the founder of The Progressive Mind, a forward-thinking network designed to nurture globally impactful Caribbean professionals through leadership development, innovation, and collaboration. Her leadership of Progressism—a flagship initiative aimed at empowering professionals and entrepreneurs in Dominica and the wider Caribbean—is reshaping the narrative of excellence on the global stage. 

As Managing Director of FAB Adventures Inc., a newly formed family owned business, I lead an ATV tour business in Dominica that provides guided, eco-friendly adventures through some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes. From lush rainforest trails to hidden natural gems, our tours offer visitors a unique and immersive way to experience Dominica, while also promoting sustainable tourism and creating opportunities for local employment and community engagement. 

“My vision is to elevate the Caribbean as a globally competitive, innovation-driven region where sustainable development, digital transformation, and inclusive growth are the norm—not the exception. I believe in building a future where Caribbean people, especially youth, women, and entrepreneurs, are empowered to lead with bold ideas, supported by modern infrastructure, strong institutions, and access to global markets. Advancing business development across the Caribbean and diaspora requires a unified ecosystem that streamlines access to finance, fosters regional collaboration, and aligns education with the future of work. It also calls for intentional engagement of the diaspora—not just as remittance senders, but as partners in investment, mentorship, and enterprise. By unlocking cross-border opportunities, scaling our industries through digital tools, and nurturing resilient leadership, we can shape a Caribbean that is not only culturally rich but economically powerful and globally respected.” 

Health 

Chelsea Jordan – Barbados  

A young mental health advocate, environmentalist, and educator from Barbados. She currently serves as Vice President of Operations at Let’s Unpack It, a youth-led mental health NGO that empowers young people through mental health literacy, 

advocacy, and community outreach. Chelsea is passionate about exploring the intersection of mental health and climate, especially in the Caribbean context, where climate-related stress impacts vulnerable communities. A 2024 One Young World Ambassador and workshop co-host at the Montreal Summit.. She is also the first woman from the Caribbean District to serve as an International Trustee for Circle K International. 

“My vision for the Caribbean is rooted in unity, innovation and sustainability. I believe in a region where young leaders are empowered to drive change locally, while also leveraging our shared cultural identity and expertise on the global stage. To truly thrive, we must invest in people, through education, mental health support and inclusive opportunities for youth to lead. Advancing business development means recognising the power of regional integration and diaspora collaboration. We need stronger ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, digital transformation and green business initiatives. By creating more spaces for youth, women and underserved communities to participate meaningfully in business, we can build a more resilient and equitable Caribbean future, one where solutions come from within and reflect the unique strengths of our people.” 

 

Dr Julian Mckoy Davis – Jamaica  

Dr Julian McKoy Davis is a Social Gerontologist, an Ardent Advocate for older adults, and a tenured Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies (Mona) with strong social and cross-cultural awareness. Dr McKoy Davis has worked over 18 years in the ageing industry and serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Council for Senior Citizens. She pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Policy with High Commendations (2018). She is very passionate about older adults and representing issues that affect them as well as collaborating with stakeholders on mutual causes.  

“My participation in CCLD25 will elevate my leadership influence across the Caribbean. Given the realities of population ageing in the region, I look forward to ongoing dialogue around the development of supportive and enabling policies and programmes for Caribbean older adults to experience healthy and active ageing, and that long-term care provisions, including social services, are available to older adults at the community and intuitional levels. There is also scope for dialogue with older Caribbean migrants living in the diaspora, around financial planning for retirement and old age as well as current trends in return migration and the various push and pull factors that contribute to the decision of older migrants in the diaspora to return to or remain outside of their country of origin.” Dr Julian mentions.  

“I envision a Caribbean in which older adults live with and die with dignity; where they are integrally engaged in development across sectors, not as a burden but as movers and shakers in the economy, not simply dependents but venture capitalists investing in the future and well-being of the Caribbean.” 

 

Dr McKoy Davis believes that her participation in CCLD25 will elevate her leadership influence across the Caribbean. She envisions a Caribbean in which older adults will become more integrally engaged in development across different sectors, not as a burden but rather as movers and shakers in the economy, not simply dependents but venture capitalist investing in the future and well-being of the Caribbean. She also plans to engage older migrants living in the diaspora in a discourse around financial planning for retirement and old age as well as current trends in return migration and the various push and pull factors that contribute to the decision of older migrants in the diaspora to return to or remain outside of their country of origin. 

 

Myanna Charles – Grenada  

Dr. Myanna Charles is a proud Grenadian whose multifaceted career as a medical doctor, public health expert, medical educator, and Senator is contributing to healthcare and reform in Grenada and the wider Caribbean. She holds a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from St. George’s University (SGU), as well as advanced certifications in medical education from SGU and the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Her medical career began in Grenada’s public health system at St. George’s General Hospital, where she rose to the position of Senior House Officer in Internal Medicine.  

Dr. Charles made the deliberate decision to remain home and serve, driven by a deep sense of duty to her country. Currently, Dr. Charles serves as Assistant Dean of Students and Lecturer in the Department of Clinical Skills at SGU School of Medicine. She also serves as a Senator in Grenada’s Upper House of Parliament, where she leverages her medical expertise to inform legislation that addresses systemic healthcare challenges and supports vulnerable communities. Beyond these roles, she actively volunteers in adult Sickle Cell 

Disease clinics, providing essential care to underserved populations. 

“Participating in the Caribbean Commonwealth Leaders Dialogue 2025 is a profound honor and opportunity. As a physician and senator, I see this conference as a critical platform to deepen my leadership competencies, connect with global changemakers, and learn from innovative policy models that have transformed healthcare systems worldwide. My expectation is to emerge from this experience equipped with sharper tools to drive sustainable health reforms, advocate more effectively for vulnerable populations, and develop youth-centered policies that resonate beyond Grenada’s shores. The insights and networks gained will be directly applied to building a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable healthcare landscape in the Caribbean—anchored in compassion, evidence, and visionary leadership.” 

 

Finance 

Cara Lambe – Bermuda 

Cara Lambe is a young professional specialising in the research and analysis of global affairs within the context of Bermuda’s financial services sector. She is a Senior Officer within the International Affairs Unit at the Bermuda Monetary Authority (Authority or BMA). Cara has supported executives during international engagements and built relations with key international stakeholders. As part of the BMA delegation, she represents the Authority at international engagements with organisations such as the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, the US National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the Group of International Insurance Centre Supervisors, the Caribbean Association of Insurance Regulators, the UK Overseas Territories Financial Services Regulators, the Global Financial Innovation Network and Japan FinTech Week. She has also attended bilateral meetings with regulatory agencies from countries such as Japan, Switzerland, the US and various Caribbean and Offshore jurisdictions. Outside of work, Cara serves the community by leading a women’s empowerment initiative called Arise, Women of Excellence, at her local church.  

“While business development is beyond the remit of the BMA, I envision my organisation strengthening its ties with fellow Caribbean regulators through knowledge sharing and relationship building with the regional groups of international standard-setting bodies. Bermuda is represented at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, the Caribbean Association of Insurance Regulators, the Group of International Insurance Centre Supervisors and the Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors. Sound financial services regulation across the Caribbean can uplift the international perception of the region, which can positively impact the business sector.” 

  

Social Justice 

Faa’izah H. Mustafa – Guyana 

Faa’izah is an Attorney-at-law with a strong educational background and diverse professional experience. She completed her Law Degree at the University of Guyana Her professional journey includes working as a Judicial Research Assistant at the Supreme Court of Guyana, where she is involved in identifying legal issues, conducting substantive legal research, checking authorities, maintaining confidentiality, and drafting judgments and legal opinions. Faa’izah is very active in community engagement as a member of the Guyana Environment Initiative and Humanity First Guyana and a volunteer for Rotaract Club of Georgetown and Stride592, President of the Hugh Wooding Law School Muslim Students’ Association and a former member of the Hugh Wooding Law School Human Rights Committee and Environmental Club. 

“The Judiciary of Guyana has an existing Drug Treatment Court and is currently establishing a Mental Health Court, with my involvement focused on the latter and with hopes to contribute to the development of other wellness courts in the future. Recognizing that these initiatives require strong inter-institutional collaboration, I am attending this Study Tour and Conference on collaborative partnerships and collective impact.” Faa’izah expresses. 

“My aim is to gain valuable insights into stakeholder engagement, communication, conflict resolution, innovative partnership approaches, problem-solving, the collective impact framework, best practices in partnership building, and enhancing my coordination skills. Furthermore, I look forward to the networking opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and potentially identify new collaborative avenues.”