Antigua And Barbuda: Irma's Impact And Aftermath

Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, wreaked havoc on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in September 2017. The storm caused catastrophic damage, with the eye of the hurricane passing directly over Barbuda, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The impact of Irma on Barbuda was particularly devastating, with 90%-95% of structures on the island damaged or destroyed, and essential services such as medical services and the police station halted. The total damages to physical assets in Antigua and Barbuda were estimated at US$136.1 million, with the tourism and housing sectors being the most affected. The storm also had a significant impact on the environment, with concerns raised about the effects on wildlife and the destruction of archaeological sites. The recovery and reconstruction process has been slow, and even years after the hurricane, Barbuda continues to bear the scars of Irma's devastation.

The economic impact on Antigua and Barbuda's tourism sector

Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on the tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda, causing significant physical damage to infrastructure and disrupting the local economy.

In Barbuda, Irma's winds and storm surges caused widespread destruction, with 90-95% of structures damaged or destroyed, including hotels, the police station, and medical facilities. The island's airport was also rendered inoperative, further hampering relief efforts. The total damage to the tourism sector in Barbuda was estimated at USD $72.6 million, making it the largest loss from the hurricane.

Antigua, on the other hand, experienced less severe damage, with mostly leveled roofs, fences, and downed power lines and poles. However, the impact on the tourism sector was still significant, as Antigua's tourism facilities and beaches are crucial to the country's economy. The tourism sector accounted for 44% of the total damage costs in Antigua and Barbuda, amounting to USD $59.9 million in losses.

The overall impact of Hurricane Irma on the tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda was substantial, with a total of USD $132.5 million in damages and losses. The recovery needs for the sector were estimated to be USD $79.6 million, including repairs and replacements of tourism infrastructure.

The hurricane not only caused physical damage but also disrupted the local economy and livelihoods. In Barbuda, the evacuation of residents and the prolonged absence during recovery affected the tourism industry, as businesses and facilities remained closed. In Antigua, while the industry picked up relatively quickly, there was still a need for recovery and reconstruction to ensure the resilience of the tourism sector.

The governments of Antigua and Barbuda, along with international organizations and donors, played a crucial role in the recovery and rebuilding process. However, there were concerns about the transparency and distribution of relief funds, with critics arguing that the focus on tourism ventures rather than local recovery could erode the cultural and traditional land relations in Barbuda.

The environmental impact on Barbuda

Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on the environment of Barbuda, with the storm causing catastrophic damage to the island's landscape and infrastructure. The hurricane ripped roofs off buildings, toppled power poles, and scattered debris across the island. The police station was largely destroyed, and medical services were halted. The storm also left a path of extreme environmental destruction, with the island's wildlife and natural habitats suffering significant damage.

One of the most concerning impacts of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was the effect on the island's endemic bird species, the Barbuda warbler. Before the hurricane, the population of this near-threatened species was already less than 2,000 individuals. For some time after the hurricane, it was unknown whether the warbler had survived, but it was later confirmed that most of the birds had weathered the storm.

Another critical habitat impacted by Irma was Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean. The storm surge inundated the lagoon, threatening this fragile ecosystem.

The hurricane also caused widespread flooding and erosion across the island, with entire coastal establishments swept away and roads and infrastructure damaged. The destruction of vegetation was extensive, with the majority of trees and plants stripped of their leaves, inundated by saltwater, or completely uprooted. This loss of vegetation had a significant impact on the local wildlife, as well as disrupting the natural landscape of the island.

In addition to the direct impacts of the storm, the aftermath of Hurricane Irma also had environmental consequences. With the island evacuated and many residents displaced, damaged properties were left unattended, leading to further destruction as they rotted in the rain and sun. Livestock was left to fend for themselves, and feral packs of dogs roamed the island.

The environmental impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda extended beyond the initial damage caused by the storm. The recovery and reconstruction process also had ecological implications, particularly with the focus on tourist ventures rather than local recovery. The construction of a large airport and the development of high-end tourism resorts have raised concerns about their environmental and cultural impacts, with local communities feeling removed from the decision-making process.

The overall environmental impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was significant and long-lasting, affecting the island's natural habitats, wildlife, and landscape. The storm caused widespread destruction, and the recovery process has been slow, with the island still lacking essential services years after the hurricane.

The human impact on Barbuda's population

Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on the population of Barbuda, causing the first ever recorded instance of the island being completely evacuated and deemed uninhabitable. The storm caused catastrophic damage to the island's infrastructure, with 90-95% of buildings and homes damaged or destroyed, and the island's hospital, schools, police station, and tourism facilities all suffering extensive damage. The island's entire infrastructure was left in ruins, with electricity, water, and telecommunications services all inoperative, hampering relief efforts.

The population of Barbuda was evacuated to the island of Antigua, with around 1,500-1,800 people being forced to leave their homes. Three weeks after the hurricane, residents were allowed back to Barbuda, but by December, only 350 of the 1,800 residents had returned. Many Barbudans were staying in shelters in Antigua, with one cricket stadium housing nearly 200 people for two months. The prolonged absence from the island, coupled with the extensive damage, created a precarious housing situation, with many people having nothing to return to.

The impact of the hurricane on the population of Barbuda was exacerbated by the existing rivalry between Antigua and Barbuda, with Antigua objecting to their taxes being used to repair Barbuda's buildings. The government of Antigua and Barbuda was also accused of exploiting the crisis by pushing through new laws that enabled the construction of a multi-million-dollar luxury tourism resort and a golf course on protected wetlands.

The central government's response to the disaster was heavily criticised for its lack of transparency and communication, with the Barbuda Council not being informed about how the relief funds were being spent. This led to concerns that the government was more interested in developing the island's tourism industry than in helping the population recover.

The impact of the hurricane on the population of Barbuda was long-lasting, with many residents choosing to remain in Antigua even a year after the storm. The slow recovery and lack of support from the government led to fears that many more residents would not return to the island. The prolonged displacement disrupted the population's connection to their landscape, traditions, and culture, endangering traditional practices such as horse racing, hunting, camping, and living in caves.

The human impact of Hurricane Irma on the population of Barbuda was, therefore, significant and long-lasting, with many residents still struggling to recover and return to their homes even years after the storm.

The political response to the hurricane

Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, with the latter bearing the brunt of the storm's force. The political response to the hurricane was swift and multi-faceted, involving local, national, and international actors. Here is an overview:

Local Response:

• The Government of Antigua and Barbuda requested support from the World Bank Group to undertake a recovery needs assessment, given the extent of the disaster. They collaborated with the ACP-EU NDRR Program and worked with various international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, to conduct the assessment.
• The Government also coordinated with relief organizations like UNICEF, which provided essential support such as safe water and hygiene kits, and assisted in educational and psychosocial activities for displaced children.
• Philmore Mullin, the Director of the National Office of Disaster Services in Antigua and Barbuda, played a crucial role in disaster response, having worked in the field for a quarter of a century.

National Response:

• Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States, Ronald Sanders, described the situation as a "humanitarian disaster." He emphasized the need for international humanitarian aid, acknowledging that the small island community couldn't rebuild without external assistance.
• Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, surveyed the devastation in Barbuda via helicopter and described the island as effectively uninhabitable. He also requested help from Britain to rebuild, specifically calling for changes to land tenure laws.
• Barbuda's council members, including Kendra Beazer and Wayde Burton, played an active role in the recovery process. They traveled between the islands, with Beazer advocating for more effective government assistance and criticizing the slow progress of rebuilding efforts.

International Response:

• The United States: The U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda S. Taglialatela, issued a disaster declaration for Antigua and Barbuda. USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) for essential relief items. A regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and a Washington, D.C.-based Response Management Team were also activated to coordinate the US humanitarian response.
• The United Kingdom: The British government provided support through the RFA Mounts Bay ship, which offered relief to Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. The UK also deployed nearly 500 military personnel and police officers to the affected regions, with additional funding of £25 million pledged by Prime Minister Theresa May.
• Cuba: Cuba sent 750 health workers to Antigua and Barbuda and other affected Caribbean nations to assist in the aftermath of the hurricane.

The role of international aid in the recovery process

Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on Antigua and Barbuda, with the smaller island of Barbuda being the first country hit by the hurricane's 185 mph winds, which destroyed 90-95% of its structures. The total damages to physical assets in Antigua and Barbuda amounted to US$136.1 million, with the tourism and housing sectors being the most affected.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The IFRC played a crucial role in coordinating with National Societies in each affected country and territory to provide humanitarian aid, specialized staff for water and sanitation, health, and shelter, and other support activities. They also launched an emergency appeal for 1.1 million Swiss francs to aid the most affected families in Antigua and Barbuda and distributed humanitarian aid kits.

The Red Cross

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross distributed humanitarian aid kits to evacuees in shelters and provided psychosocial support.

The United Nations, European Union, Caribbean Development Bank, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

These organizations jointly supported the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in conducting a recovery needs assessment and assisted in areas such as stabilization of the livestock population, building assessments, improving building resilience, and enhancing disaster risk information frameworks.

The United Kingdom

The UK government pledged £62 million in emergency relief for Caribbean countries affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. While the allocation of funds was not entirely transparent, it is known that £5 million was designated for the island of Dominica, and the Antiguan and Barbudan Red Cross received $300,000. Additionally, the UK provided support through the British troops and aid workers who were among the first responders in the region.

Canada and the United States

Canada and the US provided donations of approximately $200,000 and $100,000, respectively, towards relief efforts in Antigua and Barbuda.

Other Countries and Organizations

Developing countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Qatar, China, and India offered assistance. Even the small Caribbean island of Dominica, which was later devastated by Hurricane Maria, pledged $250,000 in aid before it was hit.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Organizations like the International Community Foundation (ICF) and the Barbuda Recovery & Conservation Trust (BRCT) have dedicated their efforts to raising funds for the rebuilding of Barbuda.

Despite the significant contributions of international aid, there have been concerns about the distribution and transparency of relief funds in Antigua and Barbuda. Some donors have expressed disappointment and questioned the use of their donations, leading to calls for a comprehensive audit of relief funds to ensure proper utilization and rebuild trust in the system.

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