Barbuda's Recovery: A Resilient Island's Journey

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the island of Barbuda, causing catastrophic damage. The storm's eye passed directly over the island, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding, and destroying more than 90% of its buildings. The entire population of Barbuda was evacuated to Antigua, and the recovery process has been slow and challenging. As of February 2019, most residents had returned to the island, but many were still without basic necessities, such as roofs and electricity. The total damages to the island were estimated at US$136.1 million, with the tourism and housing sectors being the most affected. The recovery needs were estimated at US$222.2 million, with US$79.6 million required to repair or replace houses. The slow recovery has been attributed to factors such as the complicated land tenure system, the evacuation order, and a lack of resources for climate-resilient homes. Despite the challenges, Barbudans have remained resilient and defended their system of communal land rights, resisting pressure from the government to migrate off the island for mass tourism development.

The Barbuda Council's role in recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the Barbuda Council has played a crucial role in the recovery of the island. The council is the democratically elected governing body of the island, consisting of 11 members, nine of whom are directly elected, while the remaining two are ex officio members representing Barbuda in the national parliament.

The council has a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including administering public utilities, managing roadwork, and improving building and marine facilities. It also has the power to make local by-laws. In the context of recovery, the council has been actively involved in various aspects, collaborating with national and international organisations.

One of the key roles of the Barbuda Council has been coordinating and facilitating recovery efforts. This includes working with aid agencies and non-governmental organisations operating on the island, such as Samaritan's Purse and the Red Cross. The council has also been involved in conducting assessments and surveys to understand the extent of the damage and identify priority actions for recovery.

The council has been instrumental in advocating for the needs and rights of Barbudans, especially in the face of what many residents perceive as "disaster capitalism". The council has pushed back against attempts by the national government to revoke the centuries-old system of communal land rights, arguing that Barbudans legally own the land communally. This stance has been a significant point of contention with the national government, which has sought to consolidate power over the island, particularly regarding land ownership and development.

The Barbuda Council has also played a role in facilitating the return of residents to the island. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the entire population of Barbuda was evacuated to Antigua due to safety concerns. Over time, the council has encouraged and supported the gradual return of residents, even as the recovery process continues.

Additionally, the council has been involved in the restoration and improvement of essential infrastructure. This includes working towards restoring electricity and basic services, as well as facilitating the repair and reconstruction of homes. The council has also been active in promoting the revival of the local economy, including the tourism industry, which is a significant source of income for the island.

Overall, the Barbuda Council has been at the forefront of the recovery efforts, advocating for the needs and rights of Barbudans, coordinating with various organisations, and facilitating the return of residents and the restoration of essential services and infrastructure. Their role has been critical in guiding the island towards recovery and rebuilding a stronger and more resilient Barbuda.

The impact on wildlife

Barbuda is a wildlife paradise, home to hundreds of species of birds and animals, many of which are now lost or endangered elsewhere in the Caribbean. The island has a small population, large areas of undeveloped land, and a pristine coastline interspersed with natural salt ponds, making it the perfect habitat for wildlife.

The island is host to several rare and endemic species, including the Barbuda warbler, which is found nowhere else in the world. The warbler is vulnerable to extreme weather events and habitat loss, and its population was classified as "near threatened" by the IUCN in 2016. When Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017, scientists and conservationists feared that it may have caused the warbler's extinction. However, surveys conducted after the hurricane confirmed that some warblers had survived, and the population appeared to be recovering well.

The Antiguan racer is also among the rarest snakes in the world, endemic to Antigua and Barbuda. It was once on the brink of extinction but has since recovered thanks to conservation efforts. Other endemic species include Griswold's ameiva, a species of lizard, and the Barbuda Bank tree anole, a type of anole or panther anole.

Barbuda is also home to several near-threatened bird species, such as the West Indian whistling duck and the white-crowned pigeon. The island is an important breeding ground for the magnificent frigatebird, which is critical to the continued success of this species in the Atlantic. The frigatebird colony in Barbuda is the largest breeding colony in the western hemisphere.

In addition to its rich bird life, Barbuda is also known for its wildlife such as land turtles, land crabs, guinea birds, donkeys, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats. Wild boar and deer are also present on the island but are less commonly seen.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda's wildlife was significant. The storm stripped the forest bare, inundated parts of the island with seawater, and destroyed homes and businesses. The food sources for birds, such as caterpillars and other insects, were greatly reduced following the hurricane. However, the resilience of nature was evident, as the forests began to recover within weeks, with trees and shrubs putting out new leaves, flowers, and even fruit.

The Barbudans have always sought to protect their incredible natural environment, and this has been key to the island's rapid recovery. The communal ownership of land has resulted in most of the island remaining wild, providing ample habitat for wildlife and buffering the impacts of natural disasters.

The return of residents

Hurricane Irma, which hit Barbuda in September 2017, caused catastrophic damage to the island, with an estimated 90% of buildings destroyed and one fatality. As a result, all 1,800 residents were evacuated to Antigua, and by February 2019, most had returned to the island. However, the recovery process has been slow, and the island's future remains uncertain.

In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the focus was on ensuring the safety and basic needs of the residents. The Red Cross provided medical kits, enabling the consulting and emergency rooms at the Thomas Hanna hospital to reopen. Samaritan's Purse provided equipment and water treatment units.

As residents began to return to Barbuda, they faced significant challenges. Many homes were still without electricity and basic necessities, and tents and tarps were still in use. The evacuation order also meant that some residents were unable to repair their homes before the rain caused further damage. The lack of house insurance and the complicated tenure system have also hindered the rebuilding process.

The Barbudan People's Movement, which sits in opposition on the Barbuda Council, has criticised the government for the slow recovery. They accuse the Antigua Labour Party government of using the hurricane to consolidate power and push for the development of the island for mass tourism. There is also tension between Barbudans and Antiguans, with mutual resentment and mistrust.

Despite these challenges, Barbudans have shown resilience and a strong desire to defend their system of communal land rights. They argue that the centuries-old system of communal land ownership has allowed the island to remain in its natural state, with sustainable fishing and low-key tourism as the main sources of income. They are suspicious of the government's intentions and worry that freehold tenure will lead to the sale of land to international interests for private resorts.

The recovery process has been slow, and basic services and infrastructure are still lacking. There is only one bank and one post office on the island, and neither is fully functional. The lack of banking services has stifled the local economy, as visitors are unable to access money for tours and accommodation.

Some progress has been made, with the opening of a restaurant, a bakery, and a supermarket, although these businesses are running on generators due to the lack of electricity. The construction of a new airport has also raised concerns about habitat loss and the impact on the local warbler bird population.

Overall, the return of residents to Barbuda has been gradual, and the island is still in the process of recovery. The future of the island remains uncertain, with tensions between residents, the government, and environmental concerns about new construction projects.

The state of housing

The housing industry is a major economic sector in Barbuda, an island that is part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. As of the 2011 Population and Housing Census, Barbuda had a total of 545 households. The majority of households (68.38%) are owner-occupied, with 67.52% of housing units owned outright and 0.73% owned with a mortgage.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the island, with more than 90% of buildings destroyed and 45% of houses left uninhabitable. The entire population of Barbuda was evacuated to Antigua. By February 2019, most residents had returned to the island, and the government's focus shifted to reconstruction.

To aid in the recovery process, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda requested support from the World Bank Group to undertake a recovery needs assessment. The assessment found that the total damages to physical assets in the housing sector amounted to US$ 136.1 million. It was estimated that US$ 79.6 million was needed to repair or replace houses in Barbuda.

Since the hurricane, there have been efforts to rebuild and improve housing on the island. The National Housing and Urban Renewal Company has constructed over 400 homes across the country, with plans for further developments. The government has also partnered with private contractors to increase the construction of homes and address the high demand for land.

As of 2024, the housing market in Barbuda remains a focus for development, with planned projects such as a $250 million resort development associated with Hollywood star Robert De Niro on hold due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. The government's plans to develop tourism on the island are expected to create opportunities for real estate investment and the revitalization of Barbuda.

The future of tourism

Tourism is a vital part of Barbuda's economy, accounting for 44% of the total damage costs following Hurricane Irma in 2017. The island has been described as a ghost town in the aftermath of the hurricane, with most buildings destroyed and the entire population evacuated to Antigua. Since then, the recovery process has been slow, with basic infrastructure such as electricity still lacking in some areas.

However, there are signs of recovery and a return to normalcy in Barbuda. By February 2019, most residents had returned to the island, and essential services such as a restaurant, bakery, and supermarket had resumed operations, albeit with the help of generators. The construction of a new airport and the development of resorts, such as the Paradise Found resort, also signal a potential boost to the tourism industry.

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The push for mass tourism and the revocation of the centuries-old system of communal land rights have caused tension between the Barbudan people and the government of Antigua and Barbuda. Locals fear that the government intends to establish freehold tenure, which would allow for the purchase of land by international interests for private resorts. This conflict reflects the mistrust and tense relationship between the two islands, with Barbudans accusing the Antiguan government of "disaster capitalism".

To truly thrive, the tourism industry in Barbuda should focus on sustainable and responsible practices that respect the local culture and environment. This includes preserving the natural beauty of the island, such as its pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, while also providing visitors with authentic experiences that showcase the unique character of the destination. Small-scale, locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators can contribute to a more equitable distribution of tourism revenue within the community.

Additionally, education and empowerment of the local community are crucial for the long-term success of the tourism industry. Investing in training and capacity-building initiatives can help ensure that Barbudans have the skills and opportunities to benefit from tourism-related employment and entrepreneurship. This includes developing and marketing experiences that highlight the local culture, such as culinary traditions, music, and festivals.

In conclusion, the future of tourism in Barbuda should focus on sustainability, community engagement, and preservation of the island's natural and cultural heritage. By involving locals in decision-making processes and ensuring that they have a stake in the industry, Barbuda can rebuild its tourism sector in a way that benefits the entire community and preserves the unique character of the island.

Frequently asked questions