The tranquil Caribbean archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina is a place of breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture. However, beneath its surface lies a story of struggle against disaster capitalism, climate change, and the battle for cultural and ecological survival. The Raizal people, an Afro-Caribbean community, have faced a series of challenges exacerbated by climate impacts, government policies, and a lack of consultation. This intricate web of hardships however is marked by the inspiring efforts of local organizations to reclaim their resilience and heritage.
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The Raizal people, Afro-Caribbean in origin, are enduring the harsh consequences of climate change, magnifying challenges like food insecurity, exacerbated by their lack of sovereignty over land and water resources. The aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Iota in 2020 left the Old Providencia Island in ruins, destroying 98% of the land. But, amidst the wreckage, a tale of resilience emerged. The then National government’s plan to exploit the disaster through tourism development met fierce opposition from grassroots movements like the Civic Movement of Old Providence and the Fisherman’s Movement. Through determination, they confronted poverty driven lands sales and resisted dispossession, securing two legal victories and reshaping the government’s disaster capitalism orientation. They began rewriting the script, focusing on preserving their culture and ways life, refusing to the be erased from their own story.
Still, since the hurricane, the Raizal continue to grapple with profound challenges. Displaced families, inadequate healthcare, and the erosion of ancestral lands underscore the urgency of their plight. The Colombian government’s lack of consultation with the Raizal on matters affecting them further compounded their struggle. Increased military presence, centralized control, and disregard for any sense of autonomy cultural heritage threatened their very survival.
The year 2020 brought the fury of Hurricane Iota, leaving devastation in its wake. This was followed by the relentless droughts of 2023 and the scourge of forest fires in May 2023. These climate challenges have tested the resilience of the Raizal people, underscoring the urgency of collective action and sustainable strategies.
As Colombia grapples with climate change and the looming threat of disaster capitalism, local organizations like the Raizal Youth Organization and Agroprovidencia are beacons of hope. Their resistance, resilience, and commitment to a better future underscore the importance of regional solidarity and grassroots movements. By learning from their experiences, we can amplify their voices and work together to combat the forces of injustice and create a more equitable and sustainable Colombia.
Agroprovidencia has emerged as a beacon of hope in the battle against disaster capitalism. The group’s work on farming and food security seeks to recover traditional practices while adapting to the changing climate. Faced with the government’s neglect, Agroprovidencia troubleshoots water scarcity issues and champions alternative farming techniques, despite the odds stacked against them. Their resistance is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to bow to external forces.
The Raizal Youth Organization stands as a symbol of empowerment, fighting for the rights and self-determination of the Raizal people in the San Andrés Archipelago. This ethnic-based organization amplifies the voices of Raizal youth, engaging in public policy drafting and bottom-up initiatives, focusing on food sovereignty, reforestation, and democratic access to land and water resources.
The fight against disaster capitalism and climate challenges continues. Join us in amplifying the voices of those on the front lines of change, working to reshape Colombia’s future.
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.
Bernard Lodge Farmers Group
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Tèt Kole
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
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.
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.