On July 18, 2022, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne, together with European Union Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska and other partners and stakeholders, attended a high level ceremony tied to the "European Union (EU) Housing Support to Barbuda Project". For the past five years, the initiative has benefitted from strategic guidance and a EUR 5 million financial contribution by the European Union, who has remained committed to its investment in sustainable development across the region.  The initiative has focused on rebuilding 104 homes heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed the country’s desire to boost resilient stating, “[The] objective of the post hurricane Irma recovery was to make Barbuda resilience… we have worked with various partners including EU and UNDP to help Barbuda build back better. “

The European Union is the Caribbean’s largest bilateral partner providing assistance in building resilience to external shocks affecting both societies and ecosystems. The European Union provides assistance in reconstruction efforts as well as debris management, greening and training to boost contractor capacity on climate smart building.

Speaking on the partnership, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM, CARIFORUM expressed the organisation’s goal of supporting regional development. She stated, “In an era of multiple challenges, including the current geopolitical crisis caused by the Russian invasion in Ukraine and its impact on food security worldwide, an ongoing pandemic and increasing climate change related risks, building resilience is critical for Caribbean states to survive and thrive. I am confident that this project has contributed to making Antigua and Barbuda and its citizens more resilient to future shocks. I take the opportunity to reaffirm the strong partnership of the European Union with the Caribbean during these difficult times. We are strongly committed to standing together with our partners in the region, mitigating COVID-19 and food security impacts, providing emergency support and participating in the social/economic recovery process ahead of the hurricane season that already started in the region.”

Representing the implementing partner, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Resident Representative, Ms Limya Eltayeb, spoke to the relationships forged and importance of collaboration for the goals. She stated, “We are certainly appreciative of the trust the government of Antigua and Barbuda has placed in UNDP to support implementation of this initiative and similarly the European Union for its strategic partnership and continued commitment to sustainable development within the region.  In my opinion, the successes of this project are an example of strong collaboration between all partners guided by the strong leadership of the government.”

The new homes have been rehabilitated following UNDP's Building Forward Better Principles and take into consideration the Build Back Better techniques.

As exogenous threats like COVID-19 continue to impact the region, it is vital that developmental efforts continue to highlight the need for regional resilience, building forward better and bolstering livelihoods for traditionally vulnerable groups. UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region. This programme is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the "Blue Economy for Green Islands" vision.

For media queries please contact Mellissa Johnson mellissa.johnson@undp.org or Shani Leacock: shani.leacock@undp.org