Reconstruction Displacement

When large scale destruction occurs, caused by natural or man-made disasters, the affected areas are often viewed as a blank slate on which to imprint the vision of outside interests, with little regard to those who call these places home. Following the devastating fires of Maui for instance, outside investors were present, surveying and salivating before the resident of Maui had even accounted for all the dead. In the Caribbean we are all too familiar with this phenomenon as communities fight displacement following disasters. In our network alone, lived experiences have occured on Barbuda, Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Post Hurricane Irma Reconstruction Displacement on Old Providence

In the aftermath of the devastation of hurricane Iota, the Raizal Community of Old Providencia, Colombia faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, homes, and infrastructure. The government’s response, instead of focusing on rebuilding vital community structures like the fisherman’s wharf, diverted resources to the construction of a new military base in Old Providence, Colombia. The destruction caused by the hurricane presented an opportunity for Colombia to advance its military and economic interests at the expense of the Raizal people.

Despite being a vital hub for the local economy and community, the wharf has taken a back seat to the construction of a new military dock in Old Providence. This military dock actively obstructs the reconstruction of the fisherman’s wharf and the increased military presence on the islands impedes the availability of essential resources, raising the costs of building materials, food, and water. Reports by UN Special Rapporteurs to Colombia indicated that the government’s response, instead of focusing on rebuilding vital community structures like the fisherman’s wharf, prioritized the military base. The case of Old Providence serves as a stark reminder that disaster capitalism, in its many forms, exacerbates the suffering of communities already grappling with the aftermath of the disasters. The prioritization of military interests over the basic needs of the Raizal people highlights the need for a communicative, compassionate and community-focused post-disaster reconstruction approach.
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Mandatory Evacuation in Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

In the aftermath of the devastation of hurricane Iota, the Raizal Community of Old Providencia, Colombia faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, homes, and infrastructure. The government’s response, instead of focusing on rebuilding vital community structures like the fisherman’s wharf, diverted resources to the construction of a new military base in Old Providence, Colombia. The destruction caused by the hurricane presented an opportunity for Colombia to advance its military and economic interests at the expense of the Raizal people.

New Plans for Barbuda Don’t Include Barbudans

The central government of Antigua and Barbuda is bent on making Barbuda an exclusive luxury tourism destination, and foreign investors have now begun to deprive Barbudans, termed “deracinated imbeciles” by the Prime Minister of Angtigua, of access to coastal areas of their tiny island, previously communal land, now luxury vacation designated areas.

Gentrification of Puerto Rico

In the aftermath of the devastation of hurricane Iota, the Raizal Community of Old Providencia, Colombia faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, homes, and infrastructure. The government’s response, instead of focusing on rebuilding vital community structures like the fisherman’s wharf, diverted resources to the construction of a new military base in Old Providence, Colombia. The destruction caused by the hurricane presented an opportunity for Colombia to advance its military and economic interests at the expense of the Raizal people.

New Plans for Barbuda Don’t Include Barbudans

The central government of Antigua and Barbuda is bent on making Barbuda an exclusive luxury tourism destination, and foreign investors have now begun to deprive Barbudans, termed “deracinated imbeciles” by the Prime Minister of Angtigua, of access to coastal areas of their tiny island, previously communal land, now luxury vacation designated areas.

In the News

Puerto Ricans are Occupying Land to Resist Displacement

After Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rican communities took over vacant lands. These spaces became community centers, gardens etc. One group, Comedores Sociales, successfully negotiated ownership with the owner. But others, like Huerto Comunitario, are unsure of the future as investors buy the land. The residents worry about being displaced due to rising rents.

Read MoreNov 09, 2017

UN Body Signals ‘Deep Concern’ Over Resort for Uber-Rich in Barbuda

A luxury resort on Barbuda, a small Caribbean island with communal land ownership, is raising human rights concerns. The UN is investigating the project's impact on the local people and fragile environment. The resort is backed by billionaires and supported by the central government, but opposed by some Barbudans who fear it will destroy their culture and environment.

Read MoreNov 09, 2017

Colombia considers first law on climate refugees in Latin America

A 2005 study predicted millions of climate refugees by 2050. This sparked discussion on climate displacement, a growing concern. Now, Colombia is considering a law to help those displaced by climate change, a potential first in Latin America.

Read MoreNov 09, 2017

Barbudan Fishermen Launch Legal Campaign for Codrington Lagoon

Barbudan Fishermen Launch Legal Campaign for Codrington Lagoon, An Important Source of Water and Food Two Barbudan residents are taking legal action against their government’s approval of permits for foreign investors to construct villas on 114 acres of protected wetlands in Codrington Lagoon National Park. The lawsuit, filed by local fisherman and tour guide George … Continue reading "Barbudan Fishermen…

Read MoreNov 09, 2017

The Major Threat to Communal Land Ownership in Barbuda

Barbuda's custom of communal land ownership, codified in law in 2017, is under serious threat by outside private commercial interests.

Read MoreNov 09, 2017

Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.

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Participating Organizations

Agroprovidencia

Bernard Lodge Farmers Group

Grenada Land Actors

Island City Lab

Julian Cho Society

WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)

Raizal Youth Organization

Ubad Educational Foundation

Save Barbuda

Fideicomiso de la Tierra del Caño Martín Peña

The Breadfruit Collective

The Karl Lévêque Cultural Institute (ICKL)

Tèt Kole

La Colmena Cimarrona

Amplify Cayman

Institutional Support

The University of the West Indies

Bristol University

Funding Support

Global Challenges Research Fund

Open Society Foundations

Climate Litigation Accelerator

Legal Associates

Freedom Imaginaries

Global Legal Action Network

Featured

Haiti’s Open Letter to the UN Secretary General

Continued Repurposing of Agricultural Land in Jamaica

Privitization & Profit Still Beign Placed Over Preservation and Reconstruction in Barbuda

Preserve Agricultural Land at All Costs!

Eat and drink: A Luxury for the Majority of the Haitian Population

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Get Connected

In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.

We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.

We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.

We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.

Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.

Offer Suppport

As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.

There are ways in which you can help.

  • Identify Resources
  • Offer Expertise
  • Write a Guest Blog
  • Share on Socials

Responses

Barbuda

  • Barbudans Take Their Pleas to the Privy Council

Belize

  • Strengthening Communal Land Governance Institutions
  • Community Awareness Campaigns
  • Advocacy for Environmental Law Ammendments

Cayman Islands

  • Advocacy for #DemocracyOverDestruction
  • Practice and Normalization of Direct Communication
  • Community Solidarity Actions

Colombia

  • Community Seed Bank
  • Post Hurricane Housing Challenges of the Raizal Continue

Grenada

  • Grenada Physical Planning Department to Court for Ignoring Their Rights
  • Grenadans Go to the Privy Council to Enshrine the Right to Challenge the Government

Haiti

  • The Montana Agreement: Broad Haitian Political Consensus

Puerto Rico

  • Community Land Trust Formation
  • Sewing Food Sovereignty Through Collective Agriculture

Challenges

Barbuda

  • Natural Hurricane Protection Removal for Vacation Luxury
  • Heritage of Communal Land Ownership Under Threat

Belize

Cayman Islands

  • 'Wildfire' Construction Spells Widespread Wetland Destruction
  • Stagnant Local Salaries Meet Skyrocketing Real Estate Prices
  • Public Calls to Deaf Political Ears

Colombia

  • Threats to Food Security in the Colombian Archipelago
  • Post Hurricane Housing Challenges of the Raizal Continue

Grenada

  • Grenada Less and Less for Grenadians
  • Unregulated Projects

Haiti

Jamaica

  • Food Insecurity :Ploughing the Land to Palnt Concrete

Puerto Rico

Partners

Legal Associates

Institutional Support