Barbuda's Recovery: A Resilient Island's Story

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean, part of a three-island state with Antigua and uninhabited Redonda. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused devastation, destroying 90% of buildings and forcing the entire population to evacuate to Antigua. Since then, Barbuda has been on a journey of recovery and rebuilding, welcoming an increasing number of visitors. This article will explore the current state of Barbuda, its ongoing challenges, and its resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Barbuda's economy

The economy of Barbuda is mostly based on tourism and government services, with the central government and the local government being the largest employers on the island. The island's economy is also driven by fisheries, which account for the majority of its exports, and a significant lobster-catching industry.

Tourism accounts for more than half of Antigua and Barbuda's GDP, 40% of investment, and more than 46% of national employment (directly and indirectly). The island's pristine beaches, climate, and geography attract tourists from all over the world.

However, Barbuda's economy is vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, which have caused serious damage to tourist infrastructure and sharp reductions in visitor numbers. In 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed more than 90% of Barbuda's buildings, and the entire population was evacuated to Antigua.

To lessen its vulnerability to natural disasters, the government has been diversifying its economy. Transportation, communications, and financial services are becoming increasingly important. The government has also been working to improve the business climate and attract more foreign investment, particularly in industries that create jobs and earn foreign exchange.

The government has also been exploring financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies and has announced plans to introduce legislation to regulate blockchain technology.

In terms of agriculture, Barbuda's production is mainly directed towards the domestic market and is constrained by limited water supply and labour shortages.

The island's manufacturing sector comprises enclave-type assembly for export, with major products including bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components.

Barbuda is part of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) and uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar as its currency.

The impact of Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma was an extremely powerful and devastating tropical cyclone that hit Barbuda on September 6, 2017, causing catastrophic damage to the island. The storm's eye passed directly over Barbuda, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The hurricane caused at least 134 deaths across the Caribbean and the United States, with three fatalities on the island of Barbuda.

Irma was the first Category 5 hurricane to strike the Leeward Islands on record, and it caused widespread destruction throughout its long lifetime. In Barbuda, Irma damaged or destroyed 90-95% of the buildings, including the island's hospital, schools, and both of its hotels. The hurricane also rendered the island's airport and much of its infrastructure inoperative, including water and telecommunication services, which hampered relief efforts.

The hurricane also had a significant impact on the island's environment and wildlife. The storm surge inundated Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean. There were also concerns about the impact on the island's only endemic bird, the near-threatened Barbuda warbler, with the population estimated to be less than 2,000 individuals before the hurricane.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda requested support from the World Bank Group to undertake a recovery needs assessment. The assessment identified priority actions for recovery, including repairing or replacing houses, assessing and stabilizing the livestock population, and improving building resilience for schools and public health facilities.

The island's geography

Barbuda is a flat island, with a western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon, and an eastern portion dominated by an elevated plateau. Salty ponds and scrubland are spread throughout the island. The island is 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, and its geography is characterised by impenetrable bush, unmarked roads, and tracks to most of its beaches. The island's sole main road, which varies in quality, runs from River in the south to Two Foot Bay in the north.

The island is a coral island, with highlands rising to 143 feet (44 metres) at Lindsay Hill in the northeast. It has an area of 62 square miles (161 square km). The island is without streams or lakes and receives less rainfall than Antigua.

Barbuda is susceptible to hurricanes, which occur on average once a year. In September 2017, the Category 5 Hurricane Irma destroyed more than 90% of the island's buildings, and the entire population was evacuated to Antigua.

The history of Barbuda

Early Inhabitants and European Arrival

Barbuda's first inhabitants were canoe-driving hunter-gatherers, who arrived around 3,000-4,000 years ago. These early settlers were followed by the Arawak and later the Kalinago people. The island was first sighted by Europeans when Christopher Columbus sailed past in 1493, naming it Santa Maria de la Antigua. Subsequently, early settlements were established by the Spanish, followed by the French and English, who formed a colony in 1666.

Colonial Era and Slavery

In 1685, Barbuda was leased to brothers John and Christopher Codrington, with the latter becoming the first settler on the island. The Codringtons introduced sugar cultivation, which became the island's primary economic activity. During this period, Barbuda's economy and labour force relied heavily on slavery, with slaves transported from West Africa. The brutal conditions endured by the slaves led to several revolts, including Beach's Rebellion in 1741, the first slave rebellion on the island.

Abolition of Slavery and Annexation

Slavery was abolished in Barbuda in 1834, leading to a shift in the island's economic and social structure. In 1859, Barbuda was annexed as a dependency of Antigua, subjecting it to the laws of the Antigua colony. This marked a significant change in Barbuda's political status.

Self-Governance and Independence

In 1976, Barbuda was granted a status of autonomy with the passing of the Barbuda Local Government Act, allowing the island to regulate its public works, finance, and agriculture. This autonomous status was further enshrined in the constitution of Antigua and Barbuda when it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, becoming a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth as head of state.

Recent History and Natural Disasters

In recent years, Barbuda has faced significant challenges, particularly due to natural disasters. In 1995, Hurricane Luis caused severe damage to the island. However, the most devastating storm in recent memory was Hurricane Irma in 2017, which destroyed more than 90% of the island's buildings and led to the evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. The island has been slowly rebuilding, and most residents have returned.

Tourism in Barbuda

Barbuda is an island in the eastern Caribbean that is part of a three-island state with Antigua and uninhabited Redonda. It is known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and friendly people. The island has a rich history and culture, having been inhabited by various groups over the centuries, including early hunter-gatherers, the Arawak, and the Kalinago.

• Beaches: Barbuda is renowned for its miles of natural beaches with pink and white sand. Princess Diana Beach, named after the late Princess of Wales, is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
• Frigate Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary, located in the Codrington Lagoon, is one of the primary tourist destinations on Barbuda. It is a crucial breeding area for the magnificent frigate bird, a vulnerable species endemic to the island.
• The Caves at Two Foot Bay: These caves, located on the beach, offer a unique glimpse into the island's geology and history.
• Historic Sites: Barbuda has several historic sites, including the ruins of the 18th-century Codrington family home, known as Highland House or Willybob, and the Dividing Wall that once separated the wealthy family from their slaves.
• Water Sports: Barbuda's clear waters and reefs offer excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing.
• Cuisine: The island offers a variety of culinary experiences, including local specialties such as deer meat, land turtle, seafood, and dumplings.

In recent years, Barbuda has faced challenges due to the impact of hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused widespread devastation. However, the island has been recovering and rebuilding its tourism industry, with an increasing number of visitors each year. The island is accessible by ferry or plane, and visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, including guest houses, beachfront rooms, and luxury resorts.

Frequently asked questions