As hurricane season approaches, the Caribbean is under increased economic stress and emotional trauma from previous storms. Perhaps the most painful example is Hurricane Irma, which devastated Barbuda in September 2017, leaving the island vulnerable and alone. The storm, the deadliest and most powerful ever recorded on the island, was devastating and catastrophic. An estimated 90% of the buildings on the island were affected, and reconstruction costs have exceeded $200 million (£148 million).
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) answered the call. They committed to contributing $25 million to help Barbuda and Dominica recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. ACT’s generous support was pivotal in restoring badly needed infrastructure, such as Barbuda’s only hospital and staffed post office. All told, the UNDP disbursed unprecedented grants amounting to more than $85 million to islands hit by Hurricane Beryl in 2017.
Survivors such as Mohammid Walbrook tell the stories of their trauma lived during the storm. While Walbrook took refuge with his family in a bathroom, Irma’s wind blew the roof off their home. He reflects on the lingering effects of such storms:
“Whenever there’s an announcement of a storm coming our way, it brings back bad memories. For some, even thunder and lightning are a trigger.” – Mohammid Walbrook
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has touted that rebuilding costs on Barbuda will be significant, but the island should be viewed as an opportunity. In order to prepare for future disasters, workforce training programs have trained almost 1,000 contractors. Now, they implement “build back better” methods to make storm resilience a priority.
Sherrod James, a local official involved in disaster preparedness, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in mitigating storm impacts:
“We also meet with the private sector, helping them put policies and preparations in place, looking at the safety and resilience of their buildings. We make sure our critical partners, such as the ports, are prepared.” – Sherrod James
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th. This is when peak activity typically occurs, from about mid-August through mid-October. Studies have shown that these kinds of storms are occurring more frequently and with greater severity, hitting the ground earlier than predicted, too. Luis Gamarra, another expert in disaster management, points out the growing challenges posed by climate change:
“These days, storms can go from a category one to five in a day. The new norm has thrown out the old regiment of what has to be done; we have to be much more proactive now.” – Sherrod James
Since hurricane risks are growing, homeowners insurance is becoming more expensive. For the average resident in Barbuda and other islands along the hurricane belt, it is now cost prohibitive. Dwight Benjamin, a local resident, voices his frustration:
“The climate is changing and putting more pressure on governments and communities. Storms are becoming more frequent, more intense and happening earlier in the year too.” – Luis Gamarra
Benjamin remains hopeful about the resilience of their homes:
“I’ve never had insurance; most Barbudans don’t really think it’s worth it. It’s just an added expense to the meagre resources we have.” – Dwight Benjamin
Despite all of these hardships, the strength of this community shines through. As Benjamin states:
“Plus, we believe in what we have built and that it should be able to withstand the weather.” – Dwight Benjamin
Even amid these challenges, the spirit of the community persists. As Benjamin states:
“It was very touching and brought back a lot of memories. This time of year, we keep an eye on the weather and our fingers crossed. But we are resilient people and we know how to survive.” – Dwight Benjamin