Category: activities

Something transformative is happening in Sucker Garden, Sint Maarten—and Vicky's Keys is at the heart of it. We're thrilled to announce the planned development and reopening of The Keys Market, Sint Maarten's first truly sustainable marketplace where hurricane-resistant design meets eco-innovation, community ownership, and Caribbean entrepreneurship.

More Than a Market—It's a Movement

The Keys Market isn't just another commercial space. Built from upcycled shipping containers and powered entirely by Caribbean sunshine, this groundbreaking project represents a new way of doing business in the Caribbean. Located on Kings of The Sea Drive in the heart of the Merriment Green Community, The Keys Market is where sustainability, profitability, and community empowerment come together.

As part of the Vicky's Keys ecosystem—alongside our eco-lodge, permaculture gardens, and the upcoming HAICI Agricultural School—The Keys Market embodies our commitment to sustainable tourism, local food security, and community-driven economic development.

Flex Spots Are Reopening!

We're excited to announce that Flex Spot vendor applications are now open! Whether you're a local farmer, artisan, food entrepreneur, or wellness professional, The Keys Market offers flexible, affordable options to launch or grow your business:

• Market Stalls: Perfect for testing new products or seasonal businesses, starting from just XCG 13 per day
• Traditional Vendor Spots: Bring your own setup and pay only for the space you use—ideal for established vendors
• Premium Eco Business Units (EBUs): Hurricane-resistant container units with modern amenities, available for lease or purchase, starting from XCG 678 (10ft) monthly

From authentic Caribbean cuisine and artisanal baked goods to handcrafted jewelry, wellness products, and professional services—we're building a diverse, vibrant marketplace that celebrates Caribbean culture and sustainable innovation.

Introducing The Keys Market Community Ownership Model

Here's where it gets truly revolutionary: The Keys Market is pioneering a community ownership model that puts the power directly in the hands of those who believe in sustainable, community-driven commerce.

This isn't just about renting space—it's about owning the future of Caribbean entrepreneurship. Through our innovative ownership structure, vendors, community members, and visionary investors can become actual stakeholders in The Keys Market's success. When the market thrives, you thrive. When we grow, you grow.

This model ensures that:

• Profits stay within the community
• Decision-making power is shared among stakeholders
• Long-term sustainability is prioritized over short-term gains
• Local entrepreneurs have genuine ownership in their marketplace
• The community benefits directly from The Keys Market's success

The Founding Circle: Only 10 Spots Available

Be one of the first 10 visionaries to own The Keys Market.

We're launching an exclusive Founding Circle for pioneering investors and community leaders who want to be part of something truly transformative. Founding Circle members aren't just investors—they're the architects of a new model for Caribbean commerce.

Founding Circle Benefits Include:

• Enhanced Ownership Stakes: Premium equity positions in The Keys Market
• Priority Access: First choice of Eco Business Units and premium vendor locations
• Permanent Recognition: Your name permanently displayed as a founding pioneer who made community ownership possible
• Strategic Input: Direct involvement in key development decisions and market direction
• Exclusive Perks: Special rates, lifetime benefits, and VIP status at all Vicky's Keys and Marlin Yard Foundation initiatives
• Legacy Building: Be remembered as one of the 10 visionaries who transformed Caribbean entrepreneurship

Only 10 Founding Circle positions available. Once they're gone, they're gone forever.

Why The Keys Market Matters

The Keys Market represents more than economic opportunity—it's a statement about the future we're building together:

• Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar-powered operations with comprehensive waste management
• Hurricane Resilience: Built to withstand Caribbean weather challenges
• Community Support: Part of the larger Merriment Green sustainable community and Vicky's Keys ecosystem
• Cultural Preservation: Celebrating Caribbean heritage, craftsmanship, and local food traditions
• Economic Empowerment: Creating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and keeping wealth in the community

With only 17 Eco Business Units and a limited number of premium flex spots, The Keys Market offers a rare opportunity to be part of Sint Maarten's most innovative business community.

The Vicky's Keys Connection

The Keys Market is deeply connected to Vicky's Keys' mission of sustainable tourism, permaculture, and community empowerment. Just as we've created a space for volunteers and impact travelers to learn about sustainable food systems, The Keys Market creates a space for local entrepreneurs to thrive while contributing to a greener, more resilient Caribbean.

Our eco-lodge guests will have direct access to fresh, local products from The Keys Market. HAICI students will gain real-world experience in sustainable business practices. And our permaculture gardens will supply vendors with locally-grown, organic produce.

It's a complete ecosystem—where tourism, agriculture, education, and commerce support each other in a sustainable, regenerative cycle.

Ready to Make History?

For Founding Circle Inquiries:

If you're ready to be one of the 10 pioneers who own The Keys Market and shape the future of Caribbean commerce, contact us immediately. These positions will fill quickly.

For Flex Spot Vendors:

Apply now for market stalls and vendor spots: Flex Spot Application Form

Thanks for sharing the news Sunday 5 Oct 2025 SXM Talks!
The Keys Market now open for entrepreneur applications | The Peoples Tribune | SXM Talks

Vicky's Keys' Journey Through 2024 and Beyond

As the sun sets on another transformative year at Vicky's Keys, we find ourselves reflecting on a journey that's been both challenging and deeply inspiring. Our volunteer centre, at The Keys road #2 - #8, lane 3, Sucker Garden in Upper Prince's Quater, stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

2024 has been a year of laying foundations – quite literally. Our vision of transforming Vicky's Keys into a thriving communal living space, inspired by the time-honored homesteading method, is taking shape. Here, we're not just building structures; we're cultivating a family of passionate volunteers who share our dream of a sustainable Caribbean.

As we prepare for our ambitious Roots Revival project to restore Plantation Succour, every step we take is guided by our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This isn't just about agriculture; it's about nurturing hope, fostering community resilience, and creating a blueprint for sustainable living that can inspire the entire Caribbean region.

Looking ahead to 2025, we're more determined than ever. Our community gardens will soon burst with life, our volunteer family will grow stronger, and our impact will reach further. The Roots Revival project isn't just about restoring a plantation – it's about reviving the spirit of sustainable agriculture in Sint Maarten and creating opportunities for generations to come.

This holiday season, Vicky's Keys continues to be a beacon of hope and sustainable living in Sint Maarten, where every volunteer's hands nurture not just gardens, but dreams of a self-sufficient community blooming with possibility. Our determination to be this beacon of hope manifests in multiple ways:

Resilient Community Building - In the face of global challenges, we stand firm in our commitment to building a resilient community. Our volunteer family demonstrates that sustainable living isn't just a concept – it's a thriving reality. Through our communal living approach, we're showing how shared resources, knowledge, and dedication can transform dreams into tangible results.

Educational Empowerment - As a beacon of hope, we're not just growing food; we're growing wisdom. Through our hands-on approach to sustainable agriculture and homesteading, we're empowering individuals with practical skills that can be replicated across the Caribbean. Every volunteer who joins us becomes a torch-bearer of sustainable knowledge, carrying these practices back to their own communities.

Cultural Heritage Preservation - The Roots Revival project at Plantation Succour represents more than agricultural restoration – it's a bridge between our past and our sustainable future. By honoring traditional farming methods while embracing modern sustainable practices, we're preserving cultural heritage while paving the way for innovation.

Economic Resilience - Our model of self-sufficiency and community-supported agriculture demonstrates how local communities can thrive through sustainable practices. We're proving that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, offering hope for a future where prosperity doesn't come at the cost of our planet.

Environmental Leadership - Each garden we plant, each sustainable practice we implement, and each volunteer we train adds to our role as a environmental leader in Sint Maarten. We're showing that small islands can be at the forefront of sustainable development, inspiring similar initiatives across the Caribbean.

Together, we're not just growing food – we're growing hope, community, and a sustainable future for Sint Maarten. The seeds we plant today will bloom into the green legacy of tomorrow.

Will you join us on this journey?
The future is growing at Vicky's Keys, and it's more vibrant than ever!

CHANGE TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE GREEN TOURISM ECONOMY ON SINT MAARTEN

Marlin Yard Foundation

Stichting Marlin Yard is continuing development of The Keys Market initiative on Sint Maarten.

Stichting Marlin Yard supports and leads the national Love Your Local Market campaign. This campaign aims to attract (young) market traders and also aims to highlight the importance that markets play in the heart of the local community. Not only for retail but as valuable community assets that provide the focal point of our village centres. Love Your Local Market fortnights are going to be held in The Keys.

Why The Keys Market came to be

On the Dutch side of Sint Maarten in the village The Keys there is an initiative called The Keys Market.

• 

• 

• 

Natural disasters such as hurricanes Luis (1995), Lenny (1999) and Irma (2017) and the Covid-19 pandemic caused a huge economic shock on Sint Maarten. Natural disasters caused for businesses and schools to shut down, island borders to close and putting humanity under lockdown during 2020. Traveling and conducting business as how we used to has changed. Unfortunately this new era is not over, with pandemic cases continuing to mount to date in 2022. The successive crisis aftermath not only shows a negative economic impact. It caused the rebuild and recovery of Sint Maarten to slow down and even stop in 2020. Sint Maarten is fighting for her position to sustain herself as before the crisis, all the while the island culture is diminishing.  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

For years Sint Maarten nature and inhabitants proved to be resilient in gaining back that Caribbean relaxed atmosphere accompanied by the calculated hustle and bustle to support the daily sufficient living. The crucial part is that the Sint Maarten community is forced to apply a new style of living because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Keys Market concept is developed to primarily match the local way of sufficient living but its main focus is combining local economy with green-tourism. Sustainability, and the application of the circular economy concept is of paramount importance at The Keys Market.

Marlin Yard Foundation not only envisions a strong revival of the Sint Maarten community but made it a mission to accelerate the movement towards a green economy at The Keys Market by putting Sint Maartens advantages to use. A few advantages are that Sint Maartens has a rich history being an island with a Dutch and French border which is the foundation to its current multikulti society. Sint Maarten community exists because of the 100+ nationalities living on this island. This is also the reason why it is proclaimed Cuisine Capital in the Caribbean for its many foods and beverage and hospitality businesses. Its Savanna climate, 37 beaches and bays combined with lushly landscaped hills of vulcanic fertile soil, its flora and fauna, and natural tranquillity displays a paradise like atmosphere year-round. Sint Maarten is a place that offers island city and night life options for many people of all walks of life to find a connection with. To describe Sint Maarten one will have to experience it one self.

Besides organizing events and hosting the generic market at the premises, The Keys Market aims to become a food market and urban area for start-ups, innovation, and creativity. This local market location built out of recycled materials will offer workshop activities, jobs and business opportunities in reducing and upcycling waste. These creative workshops and start-ups provide cultural experiences and innovative projects that attracts and inspires both locals and island visitors.

The plan is to create a food court department, a food market melting pot that serves authentic prepared food dishes from different nationalities residing on Sint Maarten. Where each food stall must follow the sustainable dogmas "Reduce and Reuse“ by implementing the use of compostable food service, reduce food waste, use organic, free-range and local ingredients wherever possible. Food vendors also must sort their waste so it can be reused as far as possible.

This food court department will have its own aquaponic and hydroponic garden providing own grown vegetables, fruit, herbs, fish and crustaceans. Linking it to the agricultural projects in The Keys hills, where an ancient 17^th century plantation will be reinstated to execute Community Gardening and Community Supported Agriculture. Because of these agricultural activities The Keys Market will organize Food and Farmer market events on a frequent basis so that members of the Community Garden can sell their harvests at market events.  

To join The Keys Market is an opportunity for local and international based entrepreneurs, as they look at new ways to innovate to attract Agritourism and Ecotourism besides the generic Holiday tourism. The difference between both Agritourism and Ecotourism is that Agritourism brings tourists to a farm or ranch to teach them about the local culture and increase income. While ecotourism promotes sustainable and responsible travel to areas with the intention of conserving and protecting the environment.

Sustainable Structures

The Keys Market stalls will be built out of modified shipping containers making them sustainable being Hurricane and Earthquake challenged and Fire resistant. It will provide own renewable energies, biogas and have its own waste-(water)-management system. These stalls are called Eco Business Unit (EBU).

These EBU’s are divided over a ground floor and 1^st level to accommodate a total of 26 spots:  

• 8 x 10ft spots with service hatch             
• 4 x 20ft – ground floor short side service hatch                
• 4 x 20ft – ground floor long side service hatch  
• 4 x 20ft – 1st floor with sliding door       
• 4 x 20ft – 1st floor with terrace 
• 2 x 20ft – Work & Live EBU        

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

To start your next business adventure at The Keys Market you need to fill out the application form HERE.
Once submitted you will be contacted to discuss your application.

Mind you..First come, First serve!

#community #markets #sintmaarten #development #locallyowned #retail #foodentrepreneur #foodcourt #streetfood