SUCKER GARDEN – Last Tuesday, members of Duke’s Drive Residence received a private walkthrough of the Sucker Garden Community Space – one of seven community spaces being established across Sint Maarten. Led by Makhicia Brooks, Managing Director of the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), this tour comes ahead of the space’s official opening and highlights the results of the considerable efforts and contributions made by the members.

The members of the tour, which included Meredith Concincion, Michelle Martina, Merlyn Hunter, and Jessica Rogers, are no strangers to this space, let alone this district. As active members of the community, these enthusiastic women, along with several other persons, readily dedicated their time, effort, and input over the past few months to ensure that this space was in line with the needs of the community. Their notable strides included lobbying for a concrete gazebo and a repainted basketball court on behalf of individuals who make use of the facilities. Now, with a concrete gazebo, revamped basketball court, chess tables, exercise equipment, and playground equipment, this space offers something fun for everyone. In the coming days, the space will be finalized with the installation of additional lighting.

This community space is one of seven that has been established as part of a collaborative initiative between SMDF and the Netherlands Red Cross with the goal of creating and enhancing outdoor social spaces for free use by the public. With the help of community-minded individuals, councils, and businesses, these spaces, which are located in Belvedere, Cay Hill at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, Cul-de-Sac, Ebenezer, Simpson Bay, Middle Region, and Sucker Garden, will allow persons of all ages to gather and connect with neighbors, friends, and families in a safe manner. The first Community Space was successfully launched in Middle Region in February 2021 and works continue to complete the remaining spaces by the end of the year.

As the Community Spaces Project continues, SMDF would like to recognize the efforts of and extend a heartfelt thank you to our Sucker Garden community-minded leaders whose collaborative efforts will surely create a stronger sense of community whilst promoting physical and mental well-being amongst members of the community.