Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Local Activism and Citizens Demanding for Coasts Protection to Prevent Disaster Capitalism Amplify Cayman Image 1 (left). Photo Credit: Jon Schutte. Waves of up to 9’ high batter luxury coastal properties along Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. | Image 2 (right). Photo Credit: Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The harbor of George …
Category Archives: Disaster Capitalism at Work
The Post-Irma Disaster and the Right to Act in Defense of their Territory
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn The Post-Irma Disaster and the Right to Act in Defense of their Territory Land Defenders at Cedar Tree Point. Source: https://www.glanlaw.org/caribbean-landgrabs Save Barbuda Movement A monumental victory for Barbuda and the entire Caribbean fighting U.S. developers in island-wide grab land post-Irma, stands as a demonstration to the indomitable spirit of grassroots initiatives …
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Unveiling Barbuda’s Struggle
Barbuda is a small island fighting against a tidal wave of change. But this isn’t just any change – it’s the upheaval caused by disaster capitalism, a practice that exploits catastrophe for private gains. As hurricanes grow fiercer and climate change tightens its grip, the resilience of this unique community is being tested like never before.
Questioning Disaster Capitalism in the Caribbean
Introduction to disaster’s impact and explained how its origins often come before a storm makes landfall or an earthquake ruptures the terrain, and how those at the frontline have organized in response.
Voices from the Caribbean on Disaster Capitalism
During this discussion, we spoke about how they became familiar with the concept of disaster capitalism, some of the fundamental issues that enable disaster capitalism, and what networks like Stronger Caribbean Together provide to local grassroots mobilizing. Our guests also talk through how we might rethink the language and meaning of development in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
After the devastating hurricane hit Puerto Rico, the government privatized its electric utility, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), and awarded a $300 million contract to a small Montana-based company, Whitefish Energy, to help restore power. Criticized for its lack of transparency and the company’s lack of experience in such a large-scale operation.
Hurricane Maria in Dominica
Government initiated a program to sell citizenship to wealthy individuals in exchange for investment in the country. Criticized for its lack of transparency and the potential for abuse.
Hurricane Irma
Private companies were accused of price gouging for essential goods such as water, food, and fuel. Some companies took advantage of the crisis to sell goods and services at inflated prices, further exacerbating the economic impact of the storm.
2010 Haiti Earth Quake
Foreign companies and investors were accused of exploiting the disaster to acquire land, push through controversial policies, and enrich themselves at the expense of the Haitian people. Investors pushed for the construction of industrial parks that would employ low-wage workers, without considering the long-term environmental and social impacts.
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption Aftermath
In 1995, following the devastating volcanic eruption in Montserrat, the British government took over control of the island’s economy and implemented a series of controversial policies, including mandatory evacuation and the restriction of access to certain areas of the island. Seen as an attempt to “rebrand” the island as a luxury tourism destination and displace …
