Barbuda Shutters Programme
Codrington – Antigua and Barbuda
Dates : N/A
Project leader: Marine Ecosystem Protected Area – MEPA Trust
Classification
Risks
Solutions
Actors
Costs
Summary
At least 95 percent of the dwellings in Barbuda were damaged and or destroyed by Hurricane Irma, which was due to limited or lack of proper hurricane shutters to protect their homes. With the aid of Leeward Islands Hurricane Protection, polycarbonate shutters were installed on 18 beneficiaries’ households in Barbuda. The goal was to protect homes in Barbuda from devastating impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy wind and more.
Actions
With the aid of Leeward Islands Hurricane Protection, polycarbonate shutters were installed on 18 beneficiaries’ households in Barbuda. Polycarbonate shutters are made of thick, strong polycarbonate that is resistant to category 5 hurricanes. These translucent panels simply clip into pre-installed tracks at the top and bottom of the opening. They are quick and easy to install before and after a storm, without leaving any large ‘nail scars’. They are also easy to store, stacking together neatly, taking up very little space. The priority order for beneficiaries was established with regards to age, disabilities, single-parent household, marital and employment status.
Outcomes
Polycarbonate shutters were installed on 18 beneficiaries’ households in Barbuda. There is still more work left to be done for the twin island state to return to a state of normalcy after Hurricane Irma. Nevertheless, the Shutters Programme was a great start to protect homes from the impact of any other natural disaster.
Importance of including local people: this programme would not have been successfully executed without the consultation of the population. It helped suggest and determine the best solutions according to their needs and the risks. It is from these consultations as well as, through onsite observations that the MEPA Trust and ICF assessed that the Shutters Programme would be most fitted and beneficial to the homeowners in Barbuda, especially given the upcoming hurricane season.
Partners
Technical partners: non-governmental organisations
Financial partners: International Community Foundation