Warm greetings to every corner of our beautiful Caribbean!
My name is Cee Marlin, and I’m writing to you today not just as the founder of Stichting Marlin Yard, but as someone who carries the Caribbean in my heart, in my heritage, and in everything I do. Today, I’m incredibly proud to introduce you to something we’ve been building with love, intention, and deep respect for our region: Caribbean Impact Market.
Why We Created CIM
It was April 2025 when the vision for Caribbean Impact Market truly took shape. I remember listening to Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s powerful words echoing across our region: “Buy Local. Buy Regional.” Those words struck a chord deep within me—not just as a call to action, but as a reminder of something we’ve always known in our bones: we are stronger together.
For too long, our Caribbean islands have looked outward for solutions that we could create right here at home. We’ve imported goods we could grow ourselves. We’ve sought expertise we already possess. We’ve built walls between islands when we should be building bridges.
At Stichting Marlin Yard, we’ve spent years working on sustainable development projects across the Caribbean—from food security initiatives to eco-housing, from agricultural education to community empowerment. And through all of this work, one truth became crystal clear: the Caribbean doesn’t need saving. The Caribbean needs connecting.
That’s why we created Caribbean Impact Market—a digital marketplace where Caribbean businesses can find each other, support each other, and build prosperity together across all 28 of our island dependencies.
The Hummingbird That Carries Our Story
You’ve probably noticed our logo—a vibrant, colorful hummingbird that seems to dance with life and energy. Let me tell you why this little bird means everything to us.
The hummingbird is pure Caribbean magic.
In our islands, hummingbirds are everywhere—flitting from hibiscus to bougainvillea, hovering with impossible grace, moving with purpose and precision. They’re small, yes, but mighty. They can fly forward, backward, and even upside down. They adapt. They persist. They thrive.
Our CIM hummingbird wears every color of the Caribbean sunset—magenta for our passion, turquoise for our waters, coral for our warmth, gold for our prosperity, green for our commitment to sustainability. Each color represents a different island, a different story, a different dream. Together, they create something breathtaking.
Just like the hummingbird pollinates flowers and spreads life across our islands, Caribbean Impact Market connects businesses and spreads opportunity across our region. The hummingbird doesn’t ask permission to cross borders. It doesn’t recognize artificial boundaries. It simply goes where it’s needed, bringing life and growth wherever it lands.
That’s exactly what we’re building here.
Why Now? Why This Matters.
I want to speak to you honestly, from one Caribbean soul to another.
Our world is changing rapidly. Global supply chains are fragile. International relationships are uncertain. Economic pressures are mounting. But here’s what I know for sure: the Caribbean has everything it needs to thrive—right here, right now, within ourselves.
We have farmers growing the most incredible produce. We have artisans creating beauty with their hands. We have innovators solving problems with Caribbean ingenuity. We have hospitality that makes the world feel at home. We have knowledge, skills, creativity, and resilience that run generations deep.
What we’ve been missing is the connection.
Imagine a hotel in Aruba buying fresh produce from a farm in Sint Maarten instead of importing from thousands of miles away. Imagine a restaurant in Curaçao sourcing handmade furniture from a craftsman in Jamaica. Imagine a tour operator in Barbados partnering with an eco-lodge in Dominica to create unforgettable Caribbean experiences.
This isn’t just possible. It’s happening right now on Caribbean Impact Market.
Islands Helping Islands—Like Family
In the Caribbean, we say “one hand can’t clap.” We know that together, we’re unstoppable. When a hurricane hits one island, the others send help. When one island celebrates, we all dance. When one island hurts, we all feel it.
That’s the spirit of CIM.
This isn’t about competition. It’s about collaboration. It’s about recognizing that when a business in Trinidad succeeds, it creates opportunities in Tobago. When a farmer in Grenada thrives, it inspires innovation in St. Lucia. When we buy from each other, we keep our wealth circulating within our own communities, building prosperity that stays home.
We’re not just building a marketplace. We’re building a movement—a return to the values that have always sustained us: community, reciprocity, and mutual support.
The Marlin Yard Foundation’s Heart in Every Click
At Stichting Marlin Yard, everything we do is rooted in four principles we call the 4Rs: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Repurpose. These aren’t just environmental principles—they’re a philosophy of life, a commitment to sustainability, and a promise to future generations.
Caribbean Impact Market carries this same DNA:
Reuse the incredible resources we already have within our region instead of constantly looking outside.
Reduce our dependency on imports and external systems that don’t serve our best interests.
Recycle knowledge, skills, and opportunities throughout our Caribbean network so everyone benefits.
Repurpose our collective strength to build economic sovereignty and regional resilience.
Every vendor on CIM. Every product sold. Every connection made. Every dollar that stays in the Caribbean instead of leaving—it all contributes to building the self-reliant, sustainable, thriving Caribbean we know is possible.
An Invitation to Build Together
Caribbean Impact Market isn’t just my dream or Stichting Marlin Yard’s project. It belongs to all of us.
Whether you’re a small business owner in St. Kitts, a farmer in Guyana, an artisan in Antigua, a hotel manager in St. Maarten, or a diaspora entrepreneur carrying Caribbean pride wherever you are—this is your marketplace.
We’re inviting you to:
- List your products and services with zero listing fees
- Connect with customers across 28 Caribbean dependencies
- Build partnerships with businesses that share your values
- Keep your profits in the Caribbean where they belong
- Join a community committed to regional prosperity
We’ve built CIM with love, with intention, and with deep respect for Caribbean culture, values, and potential. We’ve made it easy to use, accessible to everyone, and designed to grow with you.
The Future We’re Building
I dream of a Caribbean where our children don’t have to leave home to find opportunity. Where our farmers are celebrated and prosperous. Where our artisans are known worldwide. Where our businesses thrive by supporting each other. Where our islands are connected not just by water, but by commerce, collaboration, and genuine care.
That future starts today. That future is Caribbean Impact Market.
Prime Minister Mottley reminded us to buy local and regional. We heard her. We felt the truth in those words. And now, we’re giving every Caribbean business the tools to make that vision real.
Welcome Home
So welcome to Caribbean Impact Market.
Welcome to a space built by Caribbean people, for Caribbean people, celebrating Caribbean excellence.
Come browse. Come sell. Come connect. Come build.
Let’s show the world what the Caribbean can do when we work together.
With warmth, respect, and Caribbean pride,
Cee Marlin
Founder, Stichting Marlin Yard
Creator, Caribbean Impact Market
P.S. — Just like that hummingbird on our logo, we’re small but mighty. We’re agile, persistent, and full of life. And we’re just getting started. Join us at caribimpact.market and let’s build something beautiful together. 🌴
