Food Farm Gardens operates under the strategic leadership of Stichting Marlin Yard (SMY), bringing over 20 years of sustainable development experience to guide both FFGA and FFG BV through their establishment and growth phases.
This unified governance model reflects our commitment to organic institutional development rather than rushed independence. Just as we’ve spent four years preparing FFG’s agricultural and heritage programs, we’re building leadership structures that can sustain long-term community impact.
Rather than arbitrary timelines, FFG’s transition to independent governance follows achievement-based milestones that ensure organizational readiness:
Foundation Phase (Current): SMY provides strategic oversight, operational guidance, and institutional knowledge while FFGA and FFG BV establish their core programs and community relationships.
Development Phase: As Community Gardens reach capacity, HAICI School programs launch, and CSA operations demonstrate sustainability, local leadership capacity naturally emerges from within the community.
Independence Phase: When both organizations achieve operational sustainability and community governance structures are fully developed, transition to independent boards occurs with SMY maintaining advisory relationships.
Cee Marlin’s 20+ years of Caribbean sustainable development experience provides the strategic foundation for FFG’s success. Since 2005, SMY has demonstrated the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, build authentic community partnerships, and create lasting institutional change.
This experience proves invaluable during FFG’s establishment phase, where regulatory compliance, heritage site management, and community trust-building require seasoned leadership. Rather than learning these lessons through trial and error, FFG benefits from decades of proven expertise.
Regulatory Efficiency: SMY’s established relationships with Dutch and Caribbean authorities streamline permitting, compliance, and operational approvals for both FFGA and FFG BV.
Financial Credibility: SMY’s track record enhances grant applications, investor confidence, and partnership negotiations during FFG’s critical establishment phase.
Community Trust: Local stakeholders recognize SMY’s long-term commitment to Caribbean development, providing FFG with immediate credibility and authentic community support.
Operational Excellence: Shared administrative systems, financial management, and strategic planning reduce overhead while ensuring professional standards across all FFG programs.
FFG’s governance model actively cultivates next-generation Caribbean leadership through hands-on experience in sustainable development, heritage preservation, and community organizing.
FFGA Board Development: Current board recruitment focuses on identifying community leaders who will transition from advisory roles to full governance responsibility as FFG achieves independence.
Volunteer Leadership Programs: Through CCIV and Community Gardens, emerging leaders gain practical experience in project management, community engagement, and sustainable development.
Youth Leadership Integration: HAICI School programs include leadership development components, ensuring FFG’s future governance reflects intergenerational wisdom and contemporary innovation.
Regular Community Updates: Quarterly reports detail FFG’s progress toward independence milestones, ensuring community stakeholders understand both achievements and challenges.
Open Governance Meetings: Monthly meetings welcome community input on strategic decisions, maintaining transparency while building local governance capacity.
Financial Transparency: Detailed financial reporting demonstrates responsible stewardship of community resources and builds confidence in FFG’s long-term sustainability.
Milestone Documentation: Clear criteria for transition phases ensure accountability and provide roadmap for achieving independent governance.
FFG’s leadership structure reflects our broader philosophy: sustainable development requires patient institution-building. Just as we’ve invested four years in agricultural and heritage preparation, we’re investing in governance structures that will serve the community for generations.
This approach ensures FFG launches with experienced leadership while building the community capacity necessary for long-term independence. It’s strategic thinking that prioritizes lasting impact over immediate autonomy.
Current Focus: Establishing operational excellence and community trust through proven leadership while actively developing next-generation governance capacity.
Future Vision: Independent FFGA and FFG BV organizations led by Caribbean professionals who’ve gained expertise through hands-on experience in sustainable development and community organizing.
