Helping Antigua And Barbuda: Rebuilding Paradise

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. In 2017, it was devastated by Hurricane Irma, which brought winds of up to 295 km/h (185 mph) and destroyed 95% of the buildings and infrastructure on Barbuda. The damage was estimated to cost at least $100 million to rebuild, with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, stating that it would take years to fully recover Barbuda.

The country relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for 60-80% of its GDP. Therefore, one way to help rebuild Antigua and Barbuda is to encourage tourism to the islands, particularly to Antigua, which was less affected by the hurricane.

Encourage tourism to Antigua, which was less affected by Hurricane Irma

Antigua and Barbuda is a small, sovereign archipelagic country in the Caribbean, consisting of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and several smaller islands. The country is highly dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of its GDP.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the islands, with the eye of the storm passing directly over Barbuda. The hurricane resulted in flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure destruction. Fortunately, there was no loss of life on Antigua, and the local population and visitors were kept safe.

To encourage tourism to Antigua post-Hurricane Irma, here are some strategies to consider:

• Emphasize the safety of the destination: Promote the fact that Antigua was relatively unscathed by the hurricane and that the necessary precautions and preparations were made to ensure the safety of locals and tourists. Prime Minister Gaston Browne's statement that the "work that the government initiated in advance of the storm paid remarkable dividends" can be highlighted to assure potential visitors.
• Highlight the quick recovery and resilience: Communicate that Antigua's main roads were quickly cleared, and essential services were restored. Emphasize that the V.C. Bird International Airport resumed operations promptly, ensuring ease of travel to and from the island.
• Leverage the support from international organizations: Collaborate with organizations like the World Bank Group, the United Nations, the European Union, and the Caribbean Development Bank, which assisted the government in conducting a recovery needs assessment. Utilize their expertise and resources to enhance Antigua's tourism infrastructure and promote it as a resilient and well-prepared destination.
• Focus on unique selling points: Highlight the aspects that make Antigua a desirable tourist destination. Emphasize its natural beauty, such as its beaches, lagoons, and natural harbors. Promote its extensive collection of five-star resorts and the vibrant culture and heritage of the island.
• Offer incentives and discounts: Partner with local businesses, hotels, and resorts to offer special packages, discounts, and promotions to attract tourists back to the island. This can include all-inclusive deals, complimentary activities, or loyalty programs with rewards.
• Utilize digital marketing and social media: Create targeted marketing campaigns to reach potential tourists and showcase the island's recovery. Use social media platforms to share real-time updates, visually appealing content, and testimonials from visitors, emphasizing the positive experiences they had post-Hurricane Irma.
• Collaborate with travel agents and tour operators: Work closely with travel agents and tour operators to include Antigua in their portfolios. Provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively promote the destination, and consider offering incentives for bookings made through these channels.
• Engage in sustainable tourism practices: Emphasize the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism, especially given the environmental challenges faced by the island. Encourage tourists to respect and preserve the natural environment and local culture, ensuring that tourism benefits the local community and protects the fragile ecosystem.

By implementing these strategies, Antigua can effectively encourage tourism and contribute to the overall rebuilding efforts of Antigua and Barbuda following Hurricane Irma.

Lobby wealthier countries to pay for the recovery

Antigua and Barbuda is a small, sovereign archipelagic country in the Caribbean, comprising two major islands—Antigua and Barbuda—and several smaller islands. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and has a population of approximately 97,120 (as of 2019 estimates), with 97% residing in Antigua.

In September 2017, the country was devastated by Hurricane Irma, which brought winds of up to 185 mph, causing damage to 95% of the island's buildings and infrastructure. The hurricane resulted in the evacuation of nearly the entire population of Barbuda to Antigua. The rebuilding efforts were estimated to cost at least $100 million, and the country faced challenges such as food supply, medicine, shelter, electricity, water, communications, and waste management.

To lobby wealthier countries to pay for the recovery of Antigua and Barbuda, here are some strategies and approaches that could be considered:

• Appeal to International Organisations and Wealthy Nations for Aid: Antigua and Barbuda can approach international organisations such as the United Nations and its agencies, as well as wealthy nations, for financial assistance and grants. This could involve providing detailed assessments of the damage caused by the hurricane and presenting a clear plan for the utilisation of funds.
• Seek Support from Former Colonial Powers: Given the historical context, the country could specifically lobby the United Kingdom, its former colonial ruler, for financial assistance in rebuilding. This could be framed as a request for continued support in the aftermath of a natural disaster, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
• Engage in Diplomatic Negotiations: Antigua and Barbuda's diplomatic relations can be leveraged to negotiate financial support from other countries. The country has maintained close relations with Caribbean nations and territories, such as Montserrat, and could seek their assistance. Additionally, through its membership in organisations like the Commonwealth, the country could appeal to other member states for aid.
• Highlight the Impact on Tourism and the Economy: Wealthier countries could be lobbied by emphasising the impact of the hurricane on Antigua and Barbuda's economy, particularly its tourism industry, which accounts for 80% of its GDP. It could be argued that supporting the country's recovery would ultimately benefit the region's economic stability and attractiveness as a tourist destination.
• Emphasise the Environmental and Ecological Significance: Wealthier nations, particularly those committed to environmental protection and sustainability, could be approached by highlighting the ecological significance of the region. The preservation of the coral reefs, wetlands, and natural ecosystems could be positioned as a global responsibility, given the vulnerability of small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda to climate change and rising sea levels.
• Explore Debt Relief and Concessional Loans: Antigua and Barbuda can negotiate with wealthier countries and international financial institutions to explore options for debt relief or concessional loans with favourable terms. This could provide the country with some fiscal breathing room to allocate more resources towards recovery efforts.
• Establish Public-Private Partnerships: The country could explore public-private partnerships with companies or investors from wealthier nations, particularly those with an interest in sustainable development or a presence in the region. This could involve offering incentives or tax benefits in exchange for investments in rebuilding critical infrastructure.

These strategies could help Antigua and Barbuda lobby wealthier countries to contribute to their recovery efforts, ensuring that the country can rebuild in a sustainable and resilient manner while preserving the unique Barbudan way of life.

Protect communal land rights and the Barbudan way of life

The Barbudan way of life is under threat from developers seizing land to turn the small island into a tourist destination. The Barbudan people are descendants of West Africa and Africans of the British Isles, with many tracing their lineage back nine generations. They are fishers, navigators, farmers and artisans with a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for more than three centuries.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma destroyed 90-95% of the island's buildings and infrastructure, and the Barbudan people were evacuated to Antigua. In the aftermath, the Antigua and Barbuda government repealed the Barbuda Land Act, changing the definition of who is Barbudan, stripping Barbudans of communal land rights, and paving the way for major development. The government also approved a 99-year lease to the Peace Love and Happiness (PLH) partnership, a company co-owned by billionaire John Paul DeJoria, for the construction of a resort and commercial village on 425 acres.

To protect communal land rights and the Barbudan way of life, the following actions could be considered:

• Advocate for the recognition of Barbudans as direct descendants of the original Barbudans from West Africa and the British Isles, with ancestral rights to the land. This would reinforce the argument that Barbudans have communal land ownership and self-governance rights that should be respected.
• Support Barbudan activists and legal teams such as the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Barbuda Land Rights and Resources Committee (BLRRC) in their efforts to protect communal land rights through legal and advocacy strategies.
• Raise awareness about the potential environmental destruction caused by the proposed developments, including the destruction of protected wetlands and the vulnerability of the island to climate change and pollution.
• Encourage the Antigua and Barbuda government to explore alternative sources of economic growth that align with the Barbudan way of life, such as ecotourism or sustainable agriculture.
• Promote the cultural and historical significance of Barbuda, including its unique identity as a Black diasporic community, to garner international support for the protection of Barbudan land rights and way of life.

Support grassroots fundraising efforts

Grassroots fundraising efforts are vital to supporting the people of Barbuda, especially in the wake of disasters such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused catastrophic damage to the island's infrastructure and left many displaced.

Grassroots fundraising has been essential in providing financial support for the people of Barbuda, who have been fighting in court to preserve their communal land rights and cultural identity. These efforts are led by Barbudans themselves, such as retired U.S. veterans Sean Charles and Mike Harris, who returned to their home island to unite and prepare buildings for repairs.

• Donate to local initiatives: Look for local organisations and initiatives that are working directly with the Barbudan community. For example, the RebuildBarbuda initiative, led by Sean Charles and Mike Harris, focuses on uniting Barbudans to help clean up and rebuild after the storm.
• Support local communities: Barbudans have a strong tradition of mutual aid and cooperative ownership. You can support this tradition by contributing to local community projects and initiatives that empower Barbudans to maintain their way of life. This could include projects related to food security, such as fishing and farming, as well as education and healthcare initiatives.
• Promote sustainable tourism: While mass tourism has threatened the Barbudan way of life, sustainable and responsible tourism can be beneficial to the island. Look for grassroots organisations that promote ecologically-sound and community-based tourism initiatives that respect and preserve Barbudan culture and traditions.
• Support legal battles: The Barbudan people are currently engaged in several legal battles to protect their sovereignty, land rights, and cultural heritage. You can support grassroots organisations that are providing legal assistance and advocating for the rights of the Barbudan people.
• Spread awareness: Help spread awareness about the situation in Barbuda and the importance of preserving their unique culture and way of life. Use your social media platforms and networks to share information and engage others in the conversation about the human rights violations facing the Barbudan community.
• Volunteer your skills: If you have specific skills or expertise, consider volunteering your time and services to support grassroots organisations in Barbuda. This could include legal, financial, or technical skills that can help strengthen their fundraising efforts and increase their impact.

Remember, grassroots fundraising is about empowering the local community and ensuring that Barbudans have agency and a voice in the rebuilding and preservation of their island. Your support can make a significant difference in helping them achieve their goals and secure their future.

Preserve the island's natural ecosystems

Antigua and Barbuda is an ecologically rich island nation in the Caribbean, with a diverse range of ecosystems, from reefs and shoals to forests and wetlands. However, the country is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, droughts, and hurricanes, which cause environmental degradation and threaten the sustainability of its economy.

Protect and Restore Coastal Ecosystems

Mangroves, reefs, and wetlands are critical habitats for marine life and act as natural buffers against storms and coastal erosion. These ecosystems are particularly important for islands like Antigua and Barbuda, which are susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Combat Deforestation and Encourage Reforestation

Forest cover in Antigua and Barbuda has decreased over the years, and efforts should be made to protect existing forests and encourage reforestation. Reforestation initiatives can help restore biodiversity, combat climate change through carbon sequestration, and provide other ecological benefits.

Prioritize Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)

EbA interventions focus on using natural solutions to reduce the vulnerability of communities to climate change. This can include restoring and protecting ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, which provide vital ecosystem services like storm protection and coastal stabilization.

Promote Sustainable Tourism

Tourism is a significant part of Antigua and Barbuda's economy, and it is essential to ensure that tourism development is environmentally sustainable and does not contribute to ecological degradation. This may involve implementing regulations and practices that minimize the impact of tourism on natural ecosystems, such as waste management, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources.

Community Engagement and Education

Involving local communities in ecosystem preservation and restoration efforts is crucial. Educating communities about the importance of ecological preservation and providing them with the skills and resources to participate in conservation initiatives can foster a sense of stewardship and ensure the long-term success of preservation efforts.

Collaboration and Policy Support

Preserving the natural ecosystems of Antigua and Barbuda requires collaboration between local communities, non-governmental organizations, and government entities. Policy support at the national and international levels is also essential to ensure that preservation efforts are prioritized and adequately funded.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a collective commitment to ecological preservation, it is possible to help rebuild and preserve the rich natural ecosystems of Antigua and Barbuda for future generations.

Frequently asked questions