The Mystery Behind Barbuda's Deserted Landscape

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of Barbuda, leaving it uninhabitable. For the first time in 300 years, no one was living on the island, which had a population of around 1,600-1,800 people. The hurricane destroyed 90-95% of buildings, and the entire population was evacuated to Antigua, its larger sister island. While some residents have since returned, the rebuilding process has been slow, and the island remains largely empty.

Hurricane Irma caused Barbuda's evacuation

As a result, the prime minister of Barbuda and Antigua, Gaston Browne, ordered a full evacuation of the island on September 8, 2017, with all 1,800 residents ferried to the neighbouring Caribbean island of Antigua. This was due to fears that Barbuda would be hit again, this time by Hurricane Jose, and concerns about diseases caused by stagnant water and issues with vermin.

The evacuation left Barbuda empty of its residents for the first time in 300 years. The island was described as a ghost town, with abandoned and destroyed homes, and streets roamed by dogs, cats, horses, and goats. The rebuilding process was slow, with residents gradually returning to the island over time. By February 2019, most of the residents had returned to Barbuda.

Barbuda's population was moved to Antigua

Barbudan Population Evacuated to Antigua

The Hurricane Irma Disaster

On the night of September 5-6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane with winds of up to 185 mph, ravaged the island of Barbuda. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming three lives and damaging or destroying over 90% of the island's buildings. The Barbudan Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, ordered a full evacuation of the island, and all 1,600-1,800 residents were ferried to the neighbouring island of Antigua, which suffered only minor damage from the hurricane.

Antigua Shelters Evacuees

The mass evacuation of Barbudans to Antigua presented significant challenges and strained resources. Many evacuees were housed in government facilities, such as a nursing home, while others found shelter with friends and family or in impromptu shelters. The Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium became home to 142 Barbudans, with stadium staff providing support under challenging conditions.

Slow Recovery and Tensions

The recovery process in Barbuda was slow and challenging. Many residents were unable or unwilling to return to the island due to the extent of the damage, with some choosing to remain in Antigua even after it was safe to return. Tensions arose between Barbudans and Antiguans, with accusations of neglect and resentment on both sides. The complex land tenure system in Barbuda and the proposed changes to it by the Antiguan government further fuelled tensions.

International Aid and Reconstruction

The Antigua and Barbuda government appealed to the international community for assistance in the aftermath of the hurricane, recognising that the reconstruction effort would be too costly for the small nation to bear alone. International aid and donations were crucial in the recovery process, with prominent figures like actor Robert De Niro pledging support. The reconstruction of Barbuda was estimated to cost about $200 million and could take several years to complete.

The Future of Barbuda

Despite the challenges, the government remains committed to rebuilding Barbuda and preserving its unique way of life. The alternative, as described by Ronald Sanders, the Antigua and Barbuda ambassador to the US, would be to leave the island unsecured and at risk of becoming a haven for drug traffickers. The Barbudan People's Movement plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of Barbudans during the recovery process and in opposing what they perceive as government attempts to consolidate power over the island.

The island was left uninhabitable

Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall on the island of Barbuda on the night of September 5-6, 2017. The hurricane was 378 miles wide and near the peak of its intensity when it hit the island, with wind speeds of over 150 miles per hour.

The storm left Barbuda devastated, with 90%-95% of buildings on the island either destroyed or significantly damaged. Three people died, and more than half of the island's residents were left homeless. The damage was so severe that the island was rendered uninhabitable, and all 1,800 residents were evacuated to the neighbouring island of Antigua.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, stagnant water and issues with vermin created health risks, and the island's infrastructure was obliterated. The prime minister of Barbuda and Antigua, Gaston Browne, acknowledged that rebuilding would be slow, and international humanitarian aid would be required. The cost of reconstruction was estimated at $200 million, a significant challenge for the small island community.

The trauma of Hurricane Irma left a lasting impact on Barbuda, and the recovery process has been challenging. The evacuation of the island's residents also slowed down the rebuilding process, as people were unable to return to their homes and begin repairs immediately. The complex land tenure system and the lack of house insurance for many residents further complicated the recovery efforts.

While some residents have returned to Barbuda, the island has not returned to its pre-hurricane state. The slow recovery has led to questions about whether the island will ever be fully inhabited again and concerns that it could become a haven for drug traffickers if left unpopulated.

Rebuilding is too expensive for the local government

Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic damage to the island of Barbuda, leaving it uninhabitable and empty for the first time in 300 years. The storm destroyed or significantly damaged 90-95% of the island's buildings, and the local government has deemed rebuilding too expensive to undertake alone.

The cost of reconstructing Barbuda is estimated to be about $200 million, and the process could take several years. The island's prime minister, Gaston Browne, acknowledged the slow progress, attributing it to a lack of financial resources to build more climate-resilient homes. Antigua and Barbuda is a small economy facing a significant financial challenge, and the prime minister has appealed for international assistance.

The local government's inability to fund the rebuilding efforts has led to criticism and frustration among Barbudans. Some have accused the government of using the hurricane as an opportunity to consolidate power over the island, particularly regarding land ownership. The complicated tenure system in Barbuda has been a source of tension between Barbudans and the government, with concerns that it restricts access for Antiguans wishing to start businesses on the island.

The slow recovery has also been attributed in part to the evacuation of the island, which made it difficult for residents to assess the damage to their properties and resulted in further deterioration due to exposure to the elements. Additionally, few people on the island have house insurance, and many rent their homes, creating uncertainty about their role in the rebuilding process.

The international community has been called upon to help, and prominent figures such as actor Robert De Niro have pledged their support. However, the government recognizes that a massive effort and significant financial resources are required to rebuild Barbuda and make it resilient to future hurricanes.

The Barbudan people's strong sense of belonging

The Barbudan people have a strong sense of belonging to their island. This is evident in how they have, over the years, resisted the influence of larger nations and continued to maintain their autonomy and unique way of life.

Barbuda has a long history of human settlement, dating back to around 3,000-4,000 years ago when the first inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who arrived by canoe. The island was later inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago peoples, who were followed by early Spanish, French, and English settlers. Despite these various influences, the Barbudans have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and independence.

The Barbudan people's strong connection to their land is also reflected in their unique system of communal land ownership, which was established after the abolition of slavery in 1834. This system ensures that the land is held in common by the community, with all Barbudans having the right to use the island's lands. This sense of collective ownership and shared history fosters a deep sense of belonging among the Barbudan people.

The Barbudan community is relatively small, with a population of around 1,500-1,800 people, and the majority of residents live in the only village, Codrington. This close-knit community is resilient and self-reliant, having endured natural disasters such as hurricanes and the more recent challenges posed by climate change. They have a strong commitment to their island, as evidenced by their efforts to rebuild and recover after Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused widespread devastation and temporarily left the island uninhabited.

The Barbudan people's resilience and determination to preserve their way of life are testament to their strong sense of belonging and connection to their island home. Despite the challenges they have faced, they continue to welcome visitors and share the beauty of their natural environment, including their renowned beaches with pink sand. Barbuda's recovery and continued existence as a unique and independent community in the Caribbean are a testament to the strength and perseverance of its people.

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