The Resurgence Of Barbuda: Who Has Returned Home?

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed more than 90% of the buildings on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, forcing the entire population of around 1,600 to 1,800 people to evacuate to the nearby island of Antigua. By February 2019, most residents had returned to Barbuda, but the recovery process has been slow, and the island's future remains uncertain.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda's infrastructure and population

Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 hurricane that struck the island of Barbuda in September 2017. The storm caused widespread devastation to the island's infrastructure and population, leading to a mass evacuation of its residents.

Impact on Infrastructure

The hurricane caused catastrophic damage to buildings, roads, and utilities on the island. More than 90% of Barbuda's buildings were damaged or destroyed, including its hospital, schools, police station, and hotels. The island's airport was also severely impacted, with damage to the runway and terminal, rendering it inoperative. The storm surge and flooding caused by the hurricane inundated the island's Codrington Lagoon, home to a large colony of magnificent frigate birds. Additionally, power poles were toppled, and communication services were disrupted, further hampering relief efforts. The total damages to physical assets on the island were estimated to be approximately US$136.1 million, with the tourism and housing sectors being the most affected.

Impact on Population

The hurricane forced the evacuation of all 1,800 residents of Barbuda to the nearby island of Antigua. A two-year-old boy lost his life during the hurricane, and the entire population was displaced due to the extensive damage to their homes and infrastructure. The evacuation order was issued two days after the hurricane, as officials feared that Barbuda would be hit again by Hurricane Jose. The residents were ferried to Antigua, where they stayed in shelters, hotels, or with friends and family. The recovery and rebuilding process was slow, and even weeks after the hurricane, the island remained largely deserted, with only a fraction of its population returning. The population of Barbuda, which was already one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean, faced significant disruption to their lives, with many children resuming school in temporary locations and adults facing uncertainty about their return to the island.

The evacuation of Barbuda's residents to Antigua

On September 6, 2017, the Category 5 Hurricane Irma made landfall on the island of Barbuda, located in the eastern Caribbean. The hurricane caused catastrophic damage to the island, with winds of up to 185 mph, resulting in the destruction of over 90% of the island's buildings and infrastructure. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the entire population of Barbuda, approximately 1,600 to 1,800 people, was forced to evacuate to the neighbouring island of Antigua. This mass evacuation turned Barbuda into a deserted island for the first time in its history.

The decision to evacuate the residents of Barbuda was made by the prime minister, who feared that the island would be hit again, this time by Hurricane Jose. All residents were ferried to Antigua, which had only suffered minor damage from Hurricane Irma. The evacuation was necessary to ensure the safety of the Barbudan people, as stagnant water and vermin issues had rendered the island unsafe for habitation.

During the evacuation, the residents of Barbuda faced challenges in finding shelter and adapting to their new temporary homes. Many sought refuge in impromptu shelters, such as the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium in Antigua, which accommodated 142 people. The stadium staff, led by HR and accounts manager Denise Harris, worked tirelessly to provide for the basic needs of those displaced by the hurricane. However, the close quarters and lack of privacy in shelters took a toll on the evacuees.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda played a crucial role in providing support and resources to the evacuated residents. They integrated all Barbudan students into schools in Antigua, ensuring continuity in their education. Additionally, the Antiguan government collaborated with international organisations and foreign governments to secure funding for reconstruction efforts. The recovery process was slow, and many residents remained in Antigua for an extended period.

By February 2019, most of the residents of Barbuda had returned to the island, signifying a significant milestone in their journey towards recovery and rebuilding their community. However, the evacuation had a lasting impact on the people of Barbuda, and life after the hurricanes may never be the same. The slow recovery and ongoing challenges have left some residents traumatised and hesitant to return.

The recovery and rebuilding efforts in Barbuda post-Hurricane Irma

The Category 5 Hurricane Irma, which struck the state of Antigua and Barbuda in September 2017, caused widespread devastation. The hurricane damaged or destroyed over 90% of the island's structures, and the entire population was evacuated to Antigua.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Barbuda have been challenging. Initially, the island remained largely uninhabited, with locals questioning if people would ever return. However, by February 2019, most of the residents had returned to the island, and efforts were made to rebuild and recover.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, with support from the World Bank Group, the European Union, the United Nations, and other organizations, undertook a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to estimate the overall impact of the hurricane and develop a recovery strategy. The PDNA estimated the losses and damages at $155 million, with recovery and reconstruction needs totaling $222 million.

The recovery and rebuilding efforts in Barbuda focused on repairing and reconstructing key public infrastructure. This included rehabilitating and equipping the Hanna Thomas Hospital and the Barbuda Post Office, ensuring structural resilience and inclusive access. The project aimed to address the immediate needs of the affected population and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the island.

Local residents also played a crucial role in the recovery process. They scrounged for materials like plywood and corrugated iron from the wreckage to patch up roofs and repair houses. However, the evacuation orders and the slow recovery of essential services like electricity made the process slower and more challenging.

The rebuilding efforts in Barbuda also extended to the education sector. Schools, such as Holy Trinity Primary, were temporarily housed in churches or relocated to temporary classrooms while their original buildings were being repaired or reconstructed.

Overall, the recovery and rebuilding process in Barbuda was a slow and challenging endeavor, but with the support of the government, international organizations, and the resilience of the local community, progress was made towards restoring the island and rebuilding the lives of its residents.

The role of the government and international aid in Barbuda's recovery

In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the island of Barbuda, damaging or destroying over 90% of the island's buildings and infrastructure. In the aftermath, the entire population of Barbuda was evacuated to Antigua, and the island's recovery has been slow. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has played a crucial role in the recovery process, coordinating with humanitarian and development actors to rehabilitate and reconstruct key public infrastructure. The government has received financial assistance from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) and the Government of India to support these efforts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also been instrumental in the recovery of Barbuda, adopting a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of the affected population. UNDP's direct implementation modality (DIM) involves close collaboration with relevant national authorities, such as the Ministry of Health and Environment, to manage, monitor, and report on the achievement of project results. One of the key focuses of the recovery efforts has been the rehabilitation of the Hanna Thomas Hospital and the Barbuda Post Office, ensuring structural resilience and inclusive access.

International aid organizations, such as Samaritan's Purse and the Red Cross, have also played a significant role in Barbuda's recovery. Samaritan's Purse provided equipment and water treatment units, while the Red Cross brought medical kits that enabled the reopening of consulting and emergency rooms at the Thomas Hanna Hospital. The Red Cross was also active in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, providing support to residents and surveying the damage.

While the recovery process has been challenging, with issues such as a lack of house insurance and complicated land tenure systems creating obstacles, the government, international aid organizations, and local communities have worked together to rebuild and restore the island. The recovery efforts have focused not only on repairing the physical damage but also on building back better and stronger, with a focus on climate resilience to ensure the island is better prepared for future hurricanes.

The future of independent tourism in Barbuda

Barbuda is an island in the Caribbean that is part of a three-island state with Antigua and uninhabited Redonda. It is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals. The island has a population of approximately 1,600 people and is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean.

In September 2017, Barbuda was devastated by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed more than 90% of the island's buildings. The entire population was evacuated to Antigua, and it has taken years for the island to recover. Even now, the recovery is ongoing, and many residents are still living in shelters or with friends and family in Antigua or abroad.

Despite the challenges, Barbuda has a lot to offer tourists, and independent tourism is an important part of the island's economy. Here are some key considerations for the future of independent tourism in Barbuda:

Infrastructure and Development

Barbuda has historically been untouched by large-scale development, but this is changing. The construction of a large commercial airport and the Paradise Found resort funded by Robert De Niro and James Packer is underway. Additionally, there is relentless construction work on the south coast, threatening the rural way of life and the coastline.

Environmental Sustainability

Barbuda's natural beauty and peaceful way of life are some of its biggest draws for tourists. However, the island faces sustainability challenges due to limited natural resources and vulnerability to climate change. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for the future of independent tourism on the island.

Community Involvement

The Barbudan community is essential to the success of independent tourism. The island has a unique system of communal land ownership, and it is important that the community has a say in the development of the island and benefits from tourism. There has been tension between Barbudans and Antiguans, with Barbudans feeling that Antiguans look down on them and want to control their island. Overcoming this mistrust and ensuring community involvement in tourism development will be crucial for a sustainable future.

Marketing and Promotion

Barbuda has been listed by the travel industry as one of the top destinations to watch, and it continues to be of interest to independent travellers from around the world. Marketing and promotion of the island as a unique and sustainable destination can help attract more tourists and contribute to the local economy.

Collaboration and Coordination

To plan for sustainable tourism development, collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and NGOs is essential. The creation of the Destination Stewardship Council in Antigua and Barbuda is a positive step towards coordinating sustainable tourism development.

In conclusion, the future of independent tourism in Barbuda depends on a balance between development and sustainability, community involvement, effective marketing, and collaboration between stakeholders. With its natural beauty, friendly locals, and unique culture, Barbuda has a lot to offer tourists and can create a successful and sustainable tourism industry.

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