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Home , All Hands And Hearts, Dominica

From early recovery to long-term resilience in the

Hurricanes Irma and Maria: One year on

UNDP Summary Report

Index · 3

INDEX Context 04

Overview of key UNDP contributions to national efforts 08

UNDP Strategy 12

A joint effort of recovery partners 18

An Overview of the Results 22

Results by Country 30

Way forward 54 CONTEXT

1 Context · 5

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season will forever be remembered by the Small Island , the ninth named and 125 people were injured in the Developing States (SIDS) of the hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurri- devastation. Subsequently, on 18 northern and eastern Caribbean. cane season and the most powerful September, made on record, with maximum winds of landfall on and affected approximately 185 BVI the following day. The entire During that season, of the 13 named (mph), made a direct hit on the population of Dominica – approxi- tropical storms, two catastrophic island of Barbuda on 6 September. mately 73,000 people – was directly Category 5 hurricanes – Irma and In its aftermath, 95 percent of the affected by Hurricane Maria. More houses in Barbuda were damaged than 90 percent of all roofs were Maria – made landfall, and caused or destroyed. Barbuda was deemed damaged or destroyed. Critical pow- havoc and devastation in uninhabitable, and the entire popula- er and water supplies were disrupt- and Barbuda, Dominica, , tion of 1,600 persons was evacuated ed, and entire crops destroyed. the British (BVI), to the main island of Antigua. , , Saint Hurricanes Irma and Maria resulted Barthelemy, and the Turks and In BVI, where recovery from the in the deaths of at least 37 people. Caicos Islands from September extreme floods of 7 2017 Thousands were made homeless, 6-19. They also impacted the south- was still under way, Irma caused and key infrastructure for transporta- eastern islands of the Bahamas, St. widespread damage to the hous- tion, water, health, tourism, and ed- ing stock, road infrastructure, ports, ucation were devastated. Between Kitts and , and the northern telecommunications, electrical 70 and 95 percent of houses were border of . infrastructure and critical facilities. damaged in Anguilla, the Bahamas, Key sector infrastructure and assets, the , BVI, such as for tourism – the driver of Barbuda and Dominica. The anom- the BVI economy – were significant- aly of two catastrophic hurricanes ly impacted. Every resident of BVI in close succession, combined with was affected, four lives were lost, successive storm events, surpassed 6 · Context

UNDP response in the Caribbean: a corporate effort Hurricanes Irma and Maria became a the coping strategies of the affected $222 million, primarily for Barbuda. corporate priority for UNDP even before States. BVI estimates that $721 million is their landfall. Preparedness plans were The impacts of these disasters in the needed to implement its Recovery and activated and senior leadership of all Small Island Developing Countries Development Plan. different parts of the organization worked (SIDS) context had a multiplier effect. UNDP responded immediately to a call together to identify needs rapidly and The geographic size, small popula- from the Secre- define the appropriate course of action. tions, dependent economies and frag- tariat (CARICOM) to provide policy and The Crisis Response Unit (CRU) immedi- ile and intricate connections between technical support to organize a ately activated its response mechanisms, ecosystems and livelihoods, had CARICOM-UN High-Level Pledging assisting with the deployment of first immense implications for the sustain- Conference with the purpose of mobi- responders and SURGE experts together ability of these nations. lizing financial and technical support with catalytic funding that enabled UNDP When a catastrophic disaster strikes for the affected countries and territo- to establish solid teams in multiple islands in a SIDS – unlike other developing ries. The support UNDP provided to simultaneously. Additionally, the Bureau country contexts – the entire popula- this largely non-official development for Programme and Policy Support (BPPS) tion and economy is usually affected. assistance (ODA)-eligible region re- made available sectoral experts in dif- This was the experience of Dominica, sulted in $1.6 billion in grant pledges ferent fields and financial resources for BVI and Barbuda. The costs of these being made at the 2018 programmatic interventions on recovery, disasters are estimated to have ex- conference. resilience and climate change adaptation ceeded the national gross domestic In response to requests from affect- that are facilitating the transition from product (GDP) for Dominica and BVI. ed States, UNDP provided timely and early recovery to long term resilience. The Based on the Post-Disaster Needs effective recovery support. UNDP has Bureau for External Relations and Ad- Assessment (PDNA) for Dominica, the mobilized over $25 million to contrib- vocacy (BERA) and the Bureau for Man- identified recovery needs for recon- ute to national recovery interventions agement Support (BMS) also played an struction and resilience interventions – in affected States. This report high- important role throughout the process, in incorporating the principle of ‘building lights the work that the UNDP Sub- collaboration with the Regional Bureau for back better’ (BBB) where possible – regional Office for and the America and the Caribbean and its amount to $1.37 billion. In Antigua and OECS has done in Antigua and regional hub. Barbuda, recovery needs amount to Barbuda, Dominica and BVI. Context · 7

United Nations: working together on recovery

In order to promote the exponential impact of recovery interventions across sectors, UNDP has been partnering with multiple stockholders present in the Ca- ribbean, placing particular relevance on collaborations with other Consistent with the emphasis of its new Strategic Plan, UNDP served agencies, funds and programmes. The as a connector and convenor, helping to catalyse and mobilize finan- long-term UNDP presence in Dominica cial resources and top notch expertise from around the . In this has served to strengthen partnerships regard, UNDP supported the High-Level Pledging Conference, to fol- with organizations such as OCHA, with low up on behalf of the region with donors, and developed a regional the establishment of the Crisis Manage- approach to resilience. This new approach is an effort to support the ment Unit immediately after the disaster; region in its vision of addressing underlying vulnerabilities and transi- with WFP, to address logistical challeng- tioning to become the world’s first climate-resilient region. es; with IOM, on roofing repairs; and with UNICEF, for the retrofitting of two educa- tional buildings in Dominica. In , technical assistance from PAHO experts is central to ensuring ade- In Dominica damages, i.e. destroyed physical assets, totalled quate rehabilitation of the Hanna Thomas $930.9 million, while losses amounted to approximately $380.2 Hospital. UNDP partnerships with relevant million – the equivalent of 226 percent of the 2016 GDP. In the case organizations have been critical to the of Antigua and Barbuda and BVI, damages and losses amount to success of the interventions, and further $155 million and $2.6 billion respectively. The tourism, agriculture collaboration is being explored in the con- and the housing sectors were significantly affected in all countries. text of the UNDP resilience programme in In the BVI, damages and losses in the tourism sector alone are esti- the region. mated to be $1.2 billion. OVERVIEW OF KEY UNDP CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL EFFORTS 2 Overview of key UNDP contributions to national efforts · 9

Dominica Guidelines to the Housing Standards main tertiary education institution- developed, disseminated and imple- Dominica State College. mented for long-term resilience building. Effective parnerships established and Recovery strategies and partnerships managed with 9 organizations for roof strengthened for long term engagement installation: Engineers Without Borders; for risk informed development: Ministry of Health Project Management • Crisis Management Unit (CMU) and Unit (PMH), Americares, IOM, IFRC, Is- UNDP Dominica Project Office set raAid, Caritas, Emergency Architects, All up. Hands and Hearts. • Post Disaster Needs Assessment Capacity built in ‘Building Back Better’; (PDNA) completed. (BBB)- 350 contractors trained in BBB techniques. • Physical Planning Division supported in the review of approval processes. Debris sorted and essential roads, schools and tourism sites cleared in • Development of the recovery agen- cooperation with key partners (National cy- CREAD supported. Employment Programme and Dominica A comprehensive Building Damage Solid Waste Management Corporation); Assessment (BDA) of 29,431 structures healthy and safe living conditions in tar- completed by Ministry of Housing for getted areas for more than 5000 benefi- recovery planning purposes; webmap of ciaries. BDA and reroofed buildings developed. Gender balanced emergency employ- 488 buildings restored for the most ment provided for over 400 persons vulnerable (over 350,000 sq ft): 472 (42% women) in 18 communities from homes; 3 schools, 5 health care centres; 150 households. Personal Protective and government buildings- including the Equipment procured and US$659,855 the Princess Margaret Hospital; and the transferred for wages. 10 · Overview of key UNDP contributions to national efforts

Antigua and Barbuda

Recovery strategies strengthened to as Hospital, the Sir McChesney George assess, plan, implement, and coordinate Secondary School and the Barbuda Post recovery - PDNA completed. Office. Comprehensive BDA completed for Logistics provided for procurement, 100% of buildings and structures. movement and distribution of high- qual- Quality assurance and technical sup- ity roofing material for 302 buildings. port provided for BBB in construction Capacity built in resilient contruction techniques. BBB - 395 contractors, inspectors, archi- 272 roofs installed for the most vulner- tects and other technical construction able through effective partnerships with professionals trained in BBB principles. NODS, local contractors, NGOs such 3,000 tonnes of disaster and construc- as Samaritan’s purse, IFRC, and other tion debris removed through key part- partners such as the Regional Security nerships. System (RSS) and the Antigua and Gender-balanced emergency employ- Barbuda Defense Force. ment provided for 28 beneficiaries Roofing material provided and valued (19 women, 9 men) in cooperation with at $1,817,490 to rebuild homes and es- the Marine Ecosystem sential institutions, including: the Holy (MEPA) Trust Trinity Primary School, the Hanna Thom- Overview of key UNDP contributions to national efforts · 11

British

Virgin National capacities strengthened for tion of a US$ 65.29M Caribbean participatory recovery planning and de- Development Bank (CDB) Rehabilitation velopment of key institutions for trans- and Reconstruction loan. parent and efficient implementation of Supporting delivery of social and eco- Islands resilient recovery efforts for long-term nomic infrastructure works; engineer- sustainable development: ing services; institutional strengthen- ing; equipment, tools and material of • The Recovery to Development Plan education institutions, and enhanced of the Virgin Islands prepared with preparedness and response capacities. public and stakeholder inputs; • 12 tenders prepared and launched • The Six-month Accelerator Plan for for consultancy services valued at recovery developed; US$6,051,000 to support Infrastruc- • The Housing Recovery Policy pre- ture Works projects. pared; • 3 tenders prepared for the pro- • Post-Irma Housing Recovery Plan curement of goods valued at developed; US$2,045,000. • The BVI Recovery and Development Gender balanced, employment provided Agency (RDA) established. through effective partnerships. Personal Protective Equipment and training Building capacity and providing project provided. management, procurement and strategic sourcing support, financial management Debris collected, sorted, and recycled and other technical expertise to the BVI through key partnerships. Ministry of Finance in the implementa- UNDP STRATEGY

3 UNDP Strategy · 13

With development as its core mandate, UNDP engaged in recovery specifically to support governments, national institutions and affected communities in getting back on the path of sustainable development and strengthening their resilience to multiple shocks.

A resilience approach was at the crux ment its efforts to advance regional ing regional institutions and countries of the UNDP recovery strategy and as- resilience. A necessary first step is to such as in advancing the Blue sistance offer. In that regard, the aim of enhance the structural and organiza- Economy. Additionally, it is vital that the UNDP strategy was: tional capacities for recovery. In that new insurance products are developed regard, UNDP has supported the devel- to expand coverage of households and opment of a Resilient Caribbean Recov- natural assets. UNDP has commenced To provide comprehensive support ery Facility within an existing regional policy and technical support in this to address the immediate and institution. This has been accepted and which is expected to accelerate over long-term recovery needs of indi- endorsed by CARICOM, and UNDP is the next 12 months. viduals, households and commu- providing policy and technical support The disasters of 2017 provided a clear nities affected by the Hurricanes to develop a fully-fledged proposal to illustration of the importance of having Irma and Maria while enhancing present to donors, once again acting in a repository of best practices; an easily capacities within the Government a catalytic manner and using its con- accessible and relevant quality-assured and communities to manage risks vening capacities in line with the vision experts’ roster; and a knowledge net- posed by natural disasters and of the Strategic Plan. work of well-connected and interacting climate change. For real transformation to take place, practitioners from within and outside business must play an increasingly the region. UNDP is committed to important role, and given the crip- supporting the regional institutions in Recognizing the vital importance of gal- pling debt burdens of a region largely strengthening their capacities to lever- vanizing regional support and working comprised of middle- to high-income age knowledge to recover, respond and closely with regional institutions, UNDP, countries, innovative financing and build resilience. at the request of CARICOM, placed a approaches to development are vital. In Senior Resilience Advisor to comple- this context, UNDP has started support- 14 · UNDP Strategy

From Early Recovery to Long Term Resilience

It was necessary to take a long-term approach in parallel to addressing immediate needs because deep-seated issues of resilience needed to be ad- dressed. The 2017 hurricane season highlighted gaps in the overall disaster preparedness, risk reduction and resilience levels of the Caribbean region. Common challenges identified were mostly related to recovery mechanisms and structures, existing capacities and limited resources available. UNDP Strategy · 15

Supporting national leadership

All progress has only been possible led the coordination of recovery thanks to the leadership of the Gov- interventions after Irma, facilitating ernments and the people of Domi- the work of different partners. None nica, Antigua and Barbuda and the of the UNDP contributions in Barbu- (BVI). da would have been possible with- UNDP has been pleased to partner out the support of NODS and the with national authorities and affect- Barbuda Council. In the BVI, UNDP ed communities to deliver recovery is pleased to work closely with the results and promote long-term resil- Ministry of Finance to strengthen ience. Institutions such as the Min- national capacities to implement a istry of Housing, Lands and Water $65.29 million Caribbean Develop- Resource Management in Domini- ment Bank rehabilitation and recon- ca has been coordinating housing struction loan. repairs since the aftermath of the di- At the regional level, the role of saster, first leading the country-wide intergovernmental institutions such building damage assessment (BDA) as the CARICOM, the Caribbean and then promoting the revision, Disaster Emergency Management reinforcement and use of enhanced Agency (CDEMA) and the OECS has building codes. In Antigua and Bar- been instrumental. buda, the Government’s National Office for Disaster Services (NODS) 16 · UNDP Strategy

There was limited integration of climate Early recovery interventions can pro- national level. Second, UNDP helped and risk reduction measures into vide an opportunity to work towards communities ‘build back better’ through policies, and only partial implementa- long-term engagement to address the support to resilient housing. Finally, tion of risk reduction measures. In many fundamental drivers of vulnerabilities. UNDP improved capacities for disaster instances, the application of building UNDP engaged rapidly on the ground preparedness and recovery at the na- codes was inconsistent, and land use and invested core resources to ensure tional, subnational and community and planning was often not informed by risk long-term presence as a relevant part- individual levels. All UNDP interventions assessments. ner for the long term. Further, since the were gender-balanced and promoted Pockets of the vulnerable population – frequency and intensity of hurricanes equitable access to resources for re- comprising poor people, migrants and are expected to increase in the face of covery. At the regional level, UNDP has undocumented persons – were under- a changing climate, building resilience worked closely with institutions such as served. A lack of access to concession- to these events was at the centre of the CARICOM, the CDEMA and the CDB to al financing and high ratios of govern- UNDP post-hurricane recovery strategy. identify priorities. ment debt to GDP meant that impacted UNDP promoted this resilience re- countries did not have the appropriate covery strategy through three distinct fiscal reserves to invest in recovery and strands (Figure 1). The first aspect was ‘build back better’ (BBB). to provide advisory services at the UNDP Strategy · 17

The UNDP three-strand Figure 1 approach to recovery

1 2 3

Provided Long-term advisory services Helped resilience, for the national communities improved and local ‘build back disaster risk government to better’(BBB) reduction plan, implement from the impacts systems and and coordinate of the disaster preparedness for recovery recovery A JOINT EFFORT OF RECOVERY PARTNERS

4 A join effort of recovery partners · 19

Strategic recovery partners

The governments of and the State of Kuwait, together with the Peo- Collaboration and joint financing with multiple recov- ple’s of China and , were ery partners have been one of the strengths the UNDP among the first to express their solidarity approach. The Regional Recovery Plan for the Carib- with the impacted countries and make bean Post Hurricane Irma and Maria has been a joint an effective contribution to UNDP during effort of UNDP and its Country Offices in Barbados and the first days after the hurricanes. This the OECS, and , and together support in the early days was catalytic to with recovery champions such as China Aid, European enabling the rapid deployment of experts, Union, India, Japan, The Caribbean Development Bank, gathering initial data, providing technical World Bank, UK Department for International Develop- assistance to national partners, and con- ment (DFID), New Zealand, Kuwait, Denmark, Romania, ducting strategic investments and essen- OCHA-CERF and other partners. Thus far, through the tial programmatic interventions. UNDP support of several donors, UNDP has mobilised is proud to have gained the trust of such $25 million to assist ongoing efforts in hurricane partners, whose generous contributions affected Caribbean States. See Table 1 (Next page). have made a difference for the impacted countries and their people. 20 · A join effort of recovery partners

Funding sources for UNDP Table 1 Caribbean Recovery Programmes

Recovery partner

Kingdom Caribbe- Kuwait, New World Bank, Geographical of the an Devel- Zealand,v DFID, ECHO, China Japan India CERF EU UNDP TOTAL focus Nether- opment Denmark, Private do- lands Bank Romania nations Antigua and 2,000,000 1,000,000 65,891 5,700,000 310,000 9.1 M Barbuda British Virgin 1,242,517 65,911 310,000 1.62 M Islands

Dominica 3,000,000 2,700,000 1,000,000 300,007 890,000 535,000 8.43 M

Sint Maarten 2,750,000 148,568 310,000 3.21 M Turks and 80,424 310,000 0.39 M Caicos

Regional 1,007,000 1,570,000 2.58 M response

TOTAL 5.0M 2.75M 2.7 M 2.0 M 1.24 M 1.0 M 0.66M 0.89 M 5.7 M 3.35 M 25.3 M (by Donor) A join effort of recovery partners · 21

Building Back Better (BBB) supports specific global priority actions as out- lined in Priority 4 of the Sendai Frame- work for Disaster Risk Reduction, ‘Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction’. Additionally, BBB, is a priority for action according to Goal 1 and Goal 9 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Goal 1 seeks to, ‘build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and re- duce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and oth- er economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters’. Goal 9 is to ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclu- sive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation’. AN OVERVIEW OF THE RESULTS

5 In accordance with needs identified and Barbuda, resilient housing repair pro- In the case of Dominica, in conjunction in line with the UNDP strategy, under grammes were implemented. with the Department for International the leadership of national Governments In BVI, UNDP supported the Govern- Development (DFID), UNDP support- in affected States, and partners, UNDP ment in establishing necessary institu- ed the establishment of a stand-alone rolled out its recovery programme in tions for recovery such as the Recov- recovery institution – Climate Resil- BVI, Dominica and Barbuda. All three ery and Development Agency (RDA). ient Execution Agency for Dominica countries undertook post-disaster UNDP provides project management, (CREAD) – and is providing advisory debris and waste management, emer- procurement, fiduciary and other tech- services for the establishment of the gency employment and livelihoods nical expertise to facilitate the efficient Transition Team. Drawing on its exten- programmes, and participated in in- implementation of the CDB-funded sive experience in recovery across the terventions for improved recovery Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan. globe, UNDP has provided technical as- systems. PDNAs were conducted and The loan is financing the rehabilitation sistance for the execution of key recov- assistance to assessing, planning and and reconstruction of critical social and ery interventions in debris and waste implementing recovery was provided. economic infrastructure, such as roads, management; post disaster needs In view of the devastation of the hous- water and sewerage, docks, schools assessment; recovery frameworks; BBB ing stock in Dominica and Antigua and and other public buildings. techniques, and project management. China: from roofs to long-term resilience

Notwithstanding the distance be- train contractors and provide tech- tween the nations, the People’s nical assistance on housing repairs. Republic of China (PRC) was one of According to Ambassador of PRC the first countries to come forward to Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Wang with a generous and unconditional Xianmin, “UNDP has coordinated contribution. Through their Ministry of a new trilateral model for South- Commerce (MOFCOM), PRC provid- South cooperation with outstanding ed a $5 million grant for the United results that should be replicated in Nations Development Programme other countries”. (UNDP) to assist communities with roof restoration projects in Domini- ca and Barbuda, the two hardest-hit Caribbean islands. China Aid’s grant was approved only days after the disaster and, in nine months of im- plementation, it has served for the restoration of over 800 roofs and provided safe housing for thousands of people in Dominica and Barbuda. The project also assisted national authorities to revise building codes, An overview of the results · 25

The Power of Data: using pioneer technology for disaster assess- data fields – including photos of the ments and recovery planning. structures and household informa- tion – have been gathered by teams of engineers and trained inspectors. It is interesting to see, in the social media Information is assembled, filtered and technological era we inhabit, that the and analysed in real time and is most-used tools for disaster assessments immediately made available online. are still paper and pencils. With luck, and This methodology and the use of several months later, the understandable innovative technologies allow in- part of those handwritten questionnaires spection teams to assess a building is converted into some sort of file that – in seven minutes, on average. All the very rarely – is put together and analysed structures in Barbuda were assessed in time to inform recovery programmes. in five days, while in Dominica 30 Accurate data is often scarce in normal teams worked for three months to socio-economic contexts; when a disas- inspect almost 30,000 structures ter strikes, reliable information is often as spread out over the entire country. insufficient as it is important. Dominica Building upon lessons learned from and Barbuda, two small islands in the the use of this pioneer tool, UNDP is Caribbean hit by Category 5 hurricanes, now working on phase two to de- have made a difference that could be velop a corporate toolkit that will be the beginning of a revolution in disaster available to any country in the world, recovery. Governments from both coun- so that a flexible questionnaire can tries, with the support of UNDP, in part- be downloaded to any device, data nership with Microsoft and with technical can be securely stored, and infor- assistance from Engineers Without Bor- mation can be analysed immediate- ders, have conducted comprehensive ly providing real-time reports and building damage assessments using new analytics for evidence-based deci- technologies. Millions of georeferenced sion-making in recovery processes. RESULTS BY COUNTRY

6 Results by country · 27

Dominica

1. Recovery strategies for Dominica requested that UNDP be the Establishment of the Climate Resil- national/local government focal point for the coordination of the ience Execution Agency for Dominica and strengthened partnership overall recovery efforts of international partners. for long-term engagement for UNDP initially supported the establish- risk-informed development ment of the Climate Resilience Execu- Post-Disaster Needs Assessment tion Agency for Dominica (CREAD) by completed facilitating the formation of the Transi- Crisis Management Unit (CMU) tion Team. Under the leadership of the Government of Dominica, and with the The PDNA was the first step towards Prior to Hurricane Maria, Dominica was support from DFID, UNDP is equipping developing a holistic recovery pro- served through UNDP Barbados and the CREAD structure with staff and gramme that promoted equity and the OECS Multi-Country Office (MCO). facilitation operations as necessary. The inclusion. UNDP facilitated the imple- One week after the disaster, UNDP Team Leader for the Transition Team mentation of the PDNA for Dominica in established long-term presence on the was hired in June 2018. collaboration with other United Nations ground. Upon the request of the Secre- organizations, the WB, the European tary-General, UNDP and OCHA co-led Union, the CDB, the OECS, and the the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. The that was set up in the aftermath of the PDNA provided a comprehensive as- disaster. The UNDP focus was initially sessment of the damages and losses on supporting the CMU in planning and and identified the needs of the affected coordinating relief and recovery efforts. population in Dominica. Once the emergency relief phase end- ed, at the end of December 2017, the Government of the of 28 · Results by country

2. Comprehensive building 195 other buildings. The tool provid- cess. As part of the transfer of BDA damage assessment and ed over one million geo-referenced capacity to the Government, officers resilient housing repair data fields with pictures of the vast from the Physical Planning Division majority of the structures in the of the Ministry of Planning worked island. Over 140 assessors, mainly with the UNDP team to support data Building damage assessment com- public servants – including volun- analysis. pleted teers and students – were involved in conducting the structural census. UNDP supported the Ministry of UNDP, in partnership with Engineers Capacity-building/training of Housing in carrying out a coun- Without Borders (EWB), provided contractors and construction pro- try-wide, comprehensive building training in the assessment process, fessionals in resilient reconstruc- damage assessment (BDA) from tablets with applications for captur- tion and Building Code revision November 2017 to January 2018 ing data, and logistics for both col- achieved to understand the scope and level lecting and analyzing the data. Dam- Through the UNDP partnership with of damage to buildings. The infor- age levels were identified according EWB, institutions and communities mation collected was analysed and to four categories: red (destroyed), in Dominica were provided with provided the Government of Domini- orange (roof totally damaged as well valuable and extensive expertise in ca and international partners with a as walls), yellow (roof with more than a wide range of engineering fields baseline information for reconstruc- 25 percent damage) and green (roof from the early stages of the emer- tion planning and evidence-based with less than 25 percent damage). gency phase. Capacity was built decision-making processes. Twen- Forty-four percent of the buildings among construction professionals ty-nine thousand, four-hundred and in Dominica were destroyed or in resilient reconstruction, consis- thirty-one buildings were assessed severely damaged. The data collect- tent with the Building Code, and a – 25,477 houses, 2,916 commercial ed were validated using a rigorous robust public outreach programme buildings, 840 public buildings, and quality assurance and control pro- was implemented. The Ministry of Results by country · 29

Planning was provided with expertise major social media, as well as local participated in the numerous trainings for a full and comprehensive revision news web pages such as Dominica and events organized by the project of the Dominica Housing Standards News Online. To date, over 2000 hard throughout the whole territory of the and associated Guidelines. Further- copies of the guidelines have been island. more, the Physical Planning Division made available at different locations; received technical support in the re- a Spanish language version was also view of approval processes, which has produced. Resilient reconstruction enabled reconstruction efforts. UNDP UNDP has provided safe housing for has supported international partners in the most vulnerable and has restored determining solutions for reconstruction Local contractors trained in BBB essential critical infrastructure. With and capacity-building of teams, and has methods financing from the People’s Repub- provided support to the implementation Two types of training were success- lic of China, UNDP procured roofing of Technical Advisory Centres. fully completed to facilitate housing materials to support the restoration of The Housing Standards are being used reconstruction in Dominica. The first buildings. Tools and basic equipment by public and private stakeholders, and was comprehensive building damage were also distributed. UNDP managed by the general population, as the ref- assessment (BDA) training, followed by difficulties with definition and acquisi- erence document for housing in Dom- training of contractors and construction tion of material in the volume and to inica. The guidelines were promoted professionals in resilient reconstruc- the standards required, and, despite through a variety of different channels tion, consistent with the building code. the challenging post-disaster scenario, and social media. Approximately 350 local contractors managed the logistics from the arrival were trained on the new guidelines to handling and distribution of materi- The Building Guidelines are available and building standards and certified al for roof restoration. As a result, and online at the website of the Ministry of in climate-resilient building practices. under the leadership of the Govern- Planning. They are downloadable from One thousand five hundred people ment of the Commonwealth of Domini- 30 · Results by country

ca, 488 roofs were installed: homes Working together with key partners four engineers – arrived in Dominica (472), schools (three – In its role as focal point for the over- on 8 June 2018 and started re-roof- School, Pre-school and all recovery efforts of international ing six buildings of the Dominica Pre-school), health centres partners, UNDP paid special attention State College. The College is a com- (five) and government buildings – to partnership creation and manage- plex structure with an estimated roof notably four buildings at the ment. UNDP identified partnership coverage of about 65,000 square Dominica State College, the main opportunities, and developed and feet, equivalent to approximately tertiary education facility on the managed effective inter-institutional 130 average houses (the average island, and four buildings at the agreements with eight organizations house in Dominica is 500 square Princess Margaret Hospital. UNDP for the installation of 488 roofs, under feet). UNDP and its partner EWB are also produced a web-based inter- the leadership of the Government providing continuous technical and active map where all the houses of the Commonwealth of Dominica. logistics assistance to ensure that that have been re-roofed under the UNDP partnered with the Ministry the work can be completed to the Government of the Commonwealth of Health Project Management Unit highest quality standards. of Dominica-China partnership are (PMH), Americares, IOM, IFRC, IsraA- Following Maria and to implement displayed together with relevant id, Caritas, Emergency Architects, recovery activities, a Project Office metadata. Additionally, as part of .The reroofing was formally established in Dominica the Housing Recovery Coordination of the Dominica State College is a in January 2018. The UNDP Project Group, which was led by the Ministry particularly successful example of Office is staffed with two internation- of Housing, UNDP contributed to the partnership management. Thanks to al officers as well as local staff and development of vulnerability crite- the South-South cooperation effort local and international consultants. ria. The application of vulnerability put in place by the Government of criteria ensured that the beneficiary the Commonwealth of Dominica, the selection process was transparent People’s Republic of China, , and consistent around the country and the Bolivarian Republic of Ven- and targeted those most in need. ezuela, a delegation of 80 experi- enced Cuban builders – including Results by country · 31

During“ my recent visit there [Dominica State College] I reiterated my commitment to sourcing the skilled workers and Further reconstruction through financ- materials needed to restore the ing from India facilities and I want to thank the The work on resilient building repair is United Nations Development being extended through resources from the Government of India. Two buildings Programme (UNDP), Engineers of the Salisbury Educational Facility Without Borders, and the will be fully retrofitted according to the highest construction standards. This will governments of Cuba and the enable children to return to the campus

and will help to increase the educa- People’s Republic of China for tional rate in the parish. Additionally, their assistance in making this the contribution from the Government of India will allow the two buildings to restoration process a reality. be repaired in such a way that they “ can be used as community shelters in case of another disaster, with the ca- , pacity of serving a community of about 2,000 people. UNDP is collaborating Prime minister of Dominica with UNICEF and other partners for the repair and refurbishment of the two structures. 32 · Results by country

3. Debris managed in St. Luke’s Primary, Delice Primary, restored economic activity through targeted areas Primary, Soufriere Primary, debris and waste management. Bense Primary and Prima- Through the programme, $659,855 ry. Three essential feeder roads, as was transferred to beneficiaries. The debris management programme well as roads to water sources and That income enabled workers to buy facilitated access to remote areas, popular pathways within the villages, food for their families, access critical including to farming areas and were cleared, together with drains goods and services, and begin to re- markets, and re-established healthy and culverts. Finally, the programme pair their homes while they awaited and safe living conditions in the facilitated the sorting of white goods reconstruction support and re-estab- target communities. It also provid- and galvanized roofing, and dis- lishment of substantive economic ed employment for the vulnerable posed of organic material in cooper- activity. The programme enabled and affected population through ation with the Dominica Solid Waste people to contribute to the cleaning the emergency employment/ cash- Management Corporation. and restoration of their own commu- for-work programme (see above). nities, transforming them from affect- Debris removed included bricks, ed persons to actors for change. cement, rubble and vegetation from 4. Emergency the destroyed communities, market- employment- cash-for-work The NEP of the Ministry of Trade, places, schools, homes and streets. programme This paved the way to ensuring ac- Energy and Employment has proved cessibility by humanitarian partners to have a solid management struc- ture in place to implement this sort rebuilding those areas and, more By strengthening the National Em- of emergency employment pro- importantly, allowed isolated com- ployment Programme (NEP) led by gramme. In line with the BBB ap- munities to be reached. Because the Ministry of Trade, Energy and proach, this innovative partnership of the intersectoral coordination Employment, UNDP contributed to contributed to enhancing the ability exercise conducted to prioritize sites providing gender-balanced tempo- and preparedness of the NEP to for debris removal, 11 tourism sites rary employment opportunities for respond to future emergencies with were cleared; roadways and com- 405 people (42 percent of whom a timely, effective and well-struc- munities were beautified; and com- were women) in 18 communities. tured emergency employment pro- munity spaces were cleared. Eight One hundred and fifty households gramme. Activities were launched schools were also cleared – Grand benefited directly from the emergen- within two months of the disaster, in Bay Primary, Grand Bay Secondary, cy employment programme, which Results by country · 33

the southern village of , one of the hardest-hit communities and the area that reported the most deaths. Teams were deployed in the following communities: • North: Portsmouth, Penville, Capu- chin/Tan Tan • West: Mero, Colihaut, Bioche/ Dublanc, Layou, Wotten Waven • North East: , Bense, Kalin- ago Territory, • South: Grandbay, Pichelin, La Plaine, Delice, Pointe Michel, Scotts- head, Soufriere/Gallion

Through the programme, 30 NEP su- pervisors and selected village council members were trained in community clean-up work plan development. To facilitate clean-up activities, NEP and UNDP distributed wheelbarrows, shov- els, rakes and cutlasses, as well as per- sonal protective equipment including gloves, helmets, boots and safety vests, to the workers. It is estimated that 5,724 people have benefited directly from the debris removal and employment pro- gramme. 34 · Results by country

Jeanne Williams, Hurricane Maria Survivor, UNDP Benefi ciary

Jeanne Williams is a Hurricane Maria survivor. The mother of two lives in the west coast community of Colihaut. She recalled her experience after the passage of the hurricane and how the Emergency Employment Programme helped her. “Water, mud, everything was just in a mess and I couldn’t believe what I saw that morning. The river was just around the house until they came to try to dredge the river for the water to get away from the house.” The Category 5 hurricane has now forced her and her fami- ly of four to live on the top fl oor of their house. “Well, I’m living upstairs but at the same time, whenever it rains, I’m scared. I cannot sleep. I always go out on the verandah looking out for if the river is coming down. The kids wake up too and we are there. We still have fright of the river, but God knows best.” Results by country · 35

Since the storm, Jeanne has contributed to clearing Jeanne says being in the programme has given her a efforts not only around her house, but in her community, sense of . through the National Employment Programme-managed “To be working under UNDP, at the end of the month, Emergency Employment Programme and supported when I get my salary I can buy whatever I want and that by UNDP through funds from ECHO, UKAid and CERF. makes me develop myself to do whatever I want to do, “I really wanted a job before entering the Emergency and I am grateful and happy to be in this group.” Employment Programme. I used to go on my own when I saw the river dirty, I used to go and clean the river just like that because I like to see things clean, the environ- Jeanne is one of 405 people, 42 percent ment.” of whom are women, from 15 communi- ties, who have been employed through the Due to her work ethic, Jeanne is now a Team Leader and programme. Thirty NEP supervisors and leads a small group of workers in cleaning the surround- targeted village council members have also ings in her community. received training in work plan development. “We clear the surroundings, we help people who cannot UNDP has distributed personal protection do what they have to do, we clean the river and we do and other equipment; including gloves, hel- sweeping along the roadside. We all gathered galva- mets, boots, wheelbarrows and shovels to nized roofing that needed to be removed in the village to the NEP to facilitate clean-up down on the other side”. 36 · Results by country

Antigua and Barbuda

1. Contributions to post- experts from different ministries. 2. Housing repair and disaster assessments for One thousand two hundred and reconstruction definition of evidence- ninety buildings were assessed and classified according to the level of Thanks to the support from the based recovery strategies damage: minimal (level 1), minor (lev- People’s Republic of China, UNDP by national authorities el 2), major (level 3) and total (level assisted with the procurement and 4). The outcome of the analysis was distribution of $1.9 million in con- used to priortize structures for repair struction materials and equipment In support of strengthening nation- or reconstruction. Beneficiaries are that, after nine months of project al authorities with the capacity to selected by a Project Beneficiary Se- implementation, resulted in the assess the impact of the hurricane lection Committee, whose members re-roofing of 272 buildings. UNDP and plan for recovery, UNDP sup- include NODS, the Ministry of Public exceeded its target of 250 houses ported the PDNA that was conduct- Works, the Barbuda Council and by 30 June 2018. UNDP provided ed in collaboration with the EU, WB the Development Control Agency quality assurance and offered tech- and other partners. UNDP assisted (DCA), as well as Barbuda communi- nical support to ensure that all roofs the institutions of Antigua and Bar- ty-based organizations. were installed according to nation- buda in planning and implementing al building standards. To that end, a comprehensive building damage UNDP has established long-term UNDP supported the Development assessment (BDA) of all of the build- presence and opened two offices: Control Authority in its inspection of ings in the island. The BDA was one in Antigua and another one in ongoing repairs according to stan- conducted in one week, in Novem- Barbuda. dard building techniques, in line with ber 2017, under the leadership of the the latest building code and accord- National Office for Disaster Services ing to BBB principles. (NODS) and in collaboration with Results by country · 37

“Thanks“ to the United Nations Development Programme and Some of the financing from China was used to the People’s Republic of China, provide NODS with material for reroofing addi- tional buildings. NODS distributed the material the project exceeded all targets to local contractors working on housing repairs. Most of the buildings are residential and essen- and expectations - this is a model tial facilities. They include: the Holy Trinity Prima- that can be replicated in other ry School, the Hanna Thomas Hospital, the Nurs- es Hostel, the Palm Tree Guest House (utilized countries - providing significant as interim residence for essential and prioritized public service staff), the Sir McChesney George help, and stronger resilience Secondary School, the Barbuda Post Office, and against future hurricanes” one facility of the Antigua Public Utilities Au- thority (APUA). Through UNDP work in housing “ repair, hundreds of people have been able to re- turn home to Barbuda after the entire island was Prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, evacuated in September 2017, following the im- Gaston Browne pact of Hurricane Irma. By the end of June 2018, 1,170 people had benefited from the contribu- tion of the China Aid Roof Restoration Initiative. The purchase of high-quality roofing materials, and many other products and services sourced locally and within the region, have stimulated employment for builders and other sectors. 38 · Results by country

Otine Beazer, Fire Fighter Barbuda, UNDP Beneficiary

The UNDP Antigua and Barbuda Of- fice worked with national institutions to manage the logistics involved in moving materials to Antigua and on- wards to Barbuda, from the first port Barbuda Fire Officer Otine Beazer was one of the key ser- of reception to the port of departure vice staff able to return home and to his work, thanks to the of all Barbuda-bound cargos. This repairs to his home. required complex coordination op- erations involving multiple entities. “This is my home. The roof came off on this side and the UNDP also managed the movement other side, and at the back. Inside was destroyed. All my of material from the UNDP stock site furniture was destroyed. So I had to take it out and dump it in Barbuda, and was responsible for at the dump site. Before the storm, I was at work. its distribution, in close collaboration I took my family down to my grandparents’ house because and coordination with NODS. The they have a better house, a concrete top, not a galvanized re-roofing intervention encountered top house. So I was making preparations. I came up to bar several challenges during project off my windows. Bar off my doors. This door actually blew implementation, which were sur- off inside of the house. It was a lot of work to get this house mounted by synergy and collabo- back together. I want to say thanks to the UN for giving us ration with multiple partners and the materials so we can get our home back together. It’s continuous leadership of national much stronger now. Looks much better. It’s done the right Government. way now.” Results by country · 39

Priortizing the most vulnerable for Partnership through its role as Secretariat for the housing support Through a productive partnership with NODS Coordination of Irma Recovery. In accordance with the criteria for ben- the Government of Antigua and Barbu- UNDP ensured strong partnerships and eficiary identification, UNDP advocated da, UNDP worked closely with NODS collaboration with other international for the prioritization of women as well in engaging more than 20 Antiguan partners on the ground, which allowed as other vulnerable groups in targeting and Barbudan construction contrac- for optimal complementarity of recov- beneficiaries, One hundred and six- tors. Partnerships were also formed ery efforts. The project has been high- ty-two women were directly benefited with non-governmental organizations lighted as a successful new trilateral by a reroofing project funded by the (NGOs) and other partners who bol- model for South-South cooperation: the People’s Republic of China: they were stered the labour supply from NODS People’s Republic of China provided owners or renters among a total of 302 contractors. These included the inter- the funds for reroofing materials, tools, households served – the majority of national NGO Samaritan’s Purse, which equipment, and technical assistance; which were female-headed. The elderly, worked closely with UNDP during the the Government hired contractors and an important demographic group in the entire implementation. For one month, coordinated repairs; and UNDP im- island of Barbuda, were supported in skilled labour was provided by the plemented the project. UNDP worked line with the priority selection criteria; Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force in collaboration with IFRC, which im- many of them, living alone or with other (ABDF), military contingents from Ja- plemented a Shelter Programme to elderly members of the household, maica and Barbados, and the Regional provide windows and doors, as well were provided with safe dwellings. In Security System (RSS). as other essential household supplies. addition, the project served households UNDP ensured the complementarity of of persons with disabilities. its recovery activities with other partner In a pioneer model of collaboration, interventions to facilitate the full repair UNDP partnered with national and local of targeted residential buildings, with a counterparts and contributed to the focus on the most vulnerable. coordination of the recovery response 40 · Results by country

Capacity-building/training of contractors and On“ behalf of the people of construction professionals in resilient recon- Barbuda, we express our sincere struction The capacity of seven national institutions and thanks and appreciation for partners was strengthened through eight train- ing sessions on the safe and adequate instal- coming to the aid of Barbuda in lation of roofs. Specifically, 395 contractors, such a way. This project speaks inspectors, architects and other technical con- struction professionals were trained in building volumes once again to the assessment techniques, BBB principles, compli- ance with building codes, and quantity estima- commitment of the Government tion. Orientation sessions for 100 members of of Antigua and Barbuda to the the community on BBB principles and building

resilience to natural disasters have been con- people of Barbuda. vened. UNDP also provided high-quality con- struction tools to national building contractors, “ and increased the capacity of local stakeholders to build disaster resilience. Councilwoman Ms. Mackeisha Desouza UNDP engaged in capacity-building events (July 2018) that introduced 23 local entities (potential suppliers and vendors) to UNDP processes and standard operating procedures for procurement. As a result, knowledge and capacity were in- creased on how to successfully apply and com- pete for future published bids on recovery and reconstruction activities in Barbuda. This was an essential activity towards helping local firms to benefit from the planned recovery work. Results by country · 41

3. Debris management 4. Emergency employment/ to workers in the use of small tools/ equipment to ensure that the waste UNDP assisted national institutions with cash-for-work programme – was safely handled and disposed of. expertise on debris management. To CERF support to restoration In addition, training on First Aid Health that end, it facilitated the development of economic activity through and Safety was provided to all benefi- of an environmental management plan debris waste management ciaries, in collaboration with the Antigua outlining comprehensive debris man- and Barbuda Red Cross. Furthermore, agement and safe disposal mechanisms UNDP implemented an emergency community members were engaged for disaster waste in Barbuda. Thanks employment/cash-for-work project with through meetings with cash-for-work to the United Nations Central Emergen- CERF funding through a targeted com- teams to discuss ideas, expectations cy Response Fund (CERF) financing, munity mobilization exercise that ben- and concerns before implementation. UNDP assisted to remove over 3,000 efited the Codrington community in Bar- Because of these consultations, work tonnes of disaster and construction de- buda. A conscious and deliberate effort was adjusted to ensure a more effec- bris from 281 residential sites, roadsides was made to include women and other tive implementation. Weekly meetings and bushland. Debris was managed vulnerable groups, including persons created a bond among the emergency and safely disposed of in the govern- living with disabilities and persons with employment personnel and the MEPA ment-approved temporary dumping incomes below ECD10,000 per annum, Trust, and were used to monitor pro- site. Capturing estimated quantities on in the list of targeted beneficiaries. Ap- gramme activities.Capacity-building/ recycling proved difficult due to the proximately 20 percent of the economi- training of contractors and construction conditions under which sorting was car- cally active workforce was employed on professionals in resilient reconstruction ried out at the community level. Debris a short term/temporary basis. removal activities involved the partner- UNDP partnered with the MEPA Trust ship of other recovery partners, such as and other partners to implement emer- the Barbuda Recovery & Conservation gency employment and debris manage- Trust (BRCT). ment activities. Training was provided 42 · Results by country

British Virgin Islands

1. Recovery strategies this Committee, UNDP supported tations with the Ministries and strengthened and national the DRCC Secretariat with the fol- inputs from the public and other authorities supported in lowing: stakeholders planning, implementing, • Preparation of the Preliminary • Preparation of a Six-month and coordinating recovery Recovery and Development Plan, Accelerator Plan for recovery which was used for wider public (currently being implemented by and stakeholder consultations the Recovery and Development • Facilitation of Territory-wide pub- Agency) Institutions built for transparent lic and stakeholder consultations and efficient implementation of on the Preliminary Recovery and recovery efforts Development Plan • Preparation of the Stakeholder Consultation Report, which cap- In October 2017, in the aftermath of tured the key recommendations the three disasters, the Government from the consultation process of the Virgin Islands established a Disaster Recovery Coordination • Development of the Recovery Committee (DRCC) to coordinate and Development Plan of the recovery planning. As a member of Virgin Islands based on consul- Results by country · 43

“This government is grateful for the as- “ “ sistance of organizations like the UNDP in helping the territory to build stronger, smart- Premier and Minister of Finance, the er, greener and better. Honourable Dr. D Orlando Smith, British Virgin Islands

Key milestones associated Figure 2 with UNDP support to BVI

DRCC & Task Public & Consultations Stakeholder Recovery to Floods Force Stakeholder with Ministries Consultation Development Consultations & Stakeholders Report Plan

August October December March May July 2017 2022 September November Jan-Feb April June August

Hurricane Prelim. Recovery Public & Recovery & Consultations Recovery to Irma & Maria & Development Stakeholder Development with Ministries Development Plan Plan Consultations Agency Act & Stakeholders Implementation 44 · Results by country

Support to the participatory devel- frastructure, Natural Resources and communication infrastructure; opment of the BVI Recovery and Climate Change, and Governance. and ensuring that infrastructure Development Plan The strategic outcomes are: development meets the current The BVI Recovery and Develop- and future development needs ment Plan was developed for the 1. Cohesive and empowered so- of the Territory. sustainable and resilient recovery ciety: Promoting healthy living, 4. Nurtured and sustainable en- of the Territory through a participa- enhancing livelihoods, creating vironment: Ensuring a pristine, tory approach, and leveraged the a highly skilled population, and healthy, and diverse environ- opportunity created by the disasters embracing and showcasing the ment able to support the desired to link recovery to long-term sustain- diversity of the Virgin Islands standard of living, quality of life able development. The Plan envi- culture and heritage. and economic prosperity of the sions that: “… BVI will be a model for 2. Vibrant and innovative econ- Territory. building stronger, smarter, greener omy: Solidifying the worldwide 5. Good governance: Managing the and better, fostering a vibrant and competitive position of the Virgin affairs of the Territory in an ef- innovative economy, cohesive and Islands in tourism and financial fective and responsible manner, empowered society, nurtured and services, diversifying the econo- improving efficiency in the deliv- sustainable environment, resilient my, and establishing an enabling ery of public services, protecting infrastructure, good governance and environment for businesses. the safety, security and rights of a high quality of life for all”. The Plan 3. Resilient infrastructure: Building all people, and ensuring that the proposes projects, programmes and rule of law is upheld. policy initiatives that seek to achieve robust structures that are ca- five strategic outcomes, across five pable of withstanding disasters priority sectors of Human and Social and high levels of stress and Services, Business and Economy, In- recover quickly; improving tele- Results by country · 45

BVI Recovery and Development Plan Figure 3 vision, priority sectors and sub-sectors

VISION PRIORITY SECTORS & SUB-SECTORS

Vibrant Nurtured & Cohesive & Resilient Good & Innovative Sustainable Empowered Society Infrastructure Governance Economy Environment

Human & Social Business & Infrastructure Natural Resources Governance Services Economy & Climate Change

• Health Services • SMEs • Electricity • Environment • Public Service • Waste & Debris • Financial • Roads • Renewable Energy • Law&Order and Na- Management Services • Water tional Security • Social Protection • Tourism • Sewerage • Disaster Manage- ment • Housing • Fisheries • Seaports • Education • Agriculture • Airports • Pride & Cultural • Buildings Physical Identity Planning & Land Development • ICT • Telecommunications

The Recovery and Development Plan is the first step in the sustainable development. The future National Development long-term development of the Territory, ensuring that the re- Plan will provide continuity to these initiatives and ensure their covery efforts are aligned with the principles of resilience and integration with the national development processes. 46 · Results by country

Support to the establishment of the and Hurricane Irma Recovery Plan, Ministry of Finance for the efficient BVI Recovery and Development 2017-2019. The Plan forms the basis and timely implementation of the Agency for the current $15 million Housing CDB-financed $65.29 million Reha- UNDP supported the efforts of the Assistance Programme that the bilitation and Reconstruction Loan Government in building institutions Government is implementing in (RRL). UNDP provides project man- for transparent and efficient imple- collaboration with other partners. agement, procurement and strategic mentation of recovery efforts. UNDP The Housing Recovery Assistance sourcing support, financial manage- supported the conceptualization Programme functions in accordance ment and other technical expertise. of the Recovery and Development with the Housing Recovery Policy. It UNDP has established a project Agency (RDA). Support was also pro- seeks to assist property owners who office to support the Projects Unit of vided to drafting the legislation that meet pre-defined eligibility criteria the Ministry of Finance. led to the establishment of the RDA, in the rebuilding of their property. All The CDB RRL seeks to assist with as well as guiding principles for reg- repair work conducted as part of the the recovery, rehabilitation and re- ulations governing the its operation. programme is being undertaken in construction of social and economic The RDA is responsible for the deliv- accordance with building regulations infrastructure, and strengthening ery of the Recovery to Development issued by the Planning Authority and preparedness and resilience in BVI. Plan of the Virgin Islands in a timely, Building Authority. This is being done through the pro- transparent, accountable and effi- curement of 18 design and project cient manner. The RDA is proposed management consultants, execution to have a five-year life-span. 2. Building the capacity of of construction works, and acqui- the BVI Ministry of Finance sition of goods and supplies (43 to facilitate efficient contracts). Projects include: Applying Build Back Better princi- implementation of the ples in housing repairs and recov- CDB-funded rehabilitation ery • Infrastructure works. Recon- and reconstruction loan. UNDP has assisted the Ministry of struction and rehabilitation of Health and Social Development, roads; construction of sea de- which is responsible for housing fences; slope stabilization works; From April 2018, UNDP has been rehabilitation of water supply recovery, with the development building the capacity of the BVI of the Housing Recovery Policy and sewerage systems; recon- Results by country · 47

struction and rehabilitation of ferry • Institutional strengthening. Training UNDP procurement support to BVI has terminals; rehabilitation of adminis- in and provision of psychosocial ser- been achieved through technical assis- tration buildings, including ; vices to children and families, teach- tance, substantive on-the-ground con- reconstruction of the Department ers, health workers, social workers sultations, strengthening of government of Disaster Management (DDM) and representatives of NGOs; and coordination mechanisms, and site building; repair and rehabilitation of climate risk and vulnerability assess- visits, among other interventions. UNDP schools; and reconstruction of the ments (CRVAs). is also designing and implementing a Special Needs Learning Centre and • Engagement of project manage- capacity development framework for recreational facilities. ment teams and a community the implementation of social and envi- • Equipment, tools, materials and liaison officer (CLO) for improved ronmental safeguards (in procurement, supplies. Supply and installation of climate resilient and socially-inclu- infrastructure design and implementa- furniture and equipment/tools and sive infrastructure and institutions in tion), while facilitating consultations and provision of learning materials for the transport, water and sewerage, dialogue with communities to support reconstructed and upgraded edu- governance, education and national the vision of the Government to rebuild cation institutions; information and security sectors in BVI. a better, stronger and greener territory communication technology (ICT) in a sustainable and resilient way and to equipment to schools, the police re-establish socioeconomic well-being. service, courts and government of- UNDP has prepared and reviewed Finally, UNDP is putting mechanisms fices, and early warning equipment TORs to ensure coherence with appli- in place for the timely and effective (automatic weather stations and cable standards, fair competition and implementation of strategic sourcing, seismic monitors) and a telecommu- the required technical inputs, and has procurement and supervision of consul- nication network for enhanced pre- launched 12 tenders for consultancy tants, and management of contracts for paredness and response capacities. services for a total value of $6,051,000. goods, works and services. These consultancy services will be the • Design and engineering services. basis for the implementation of the Consultancy services for design, infrastructure works. In addition, UNDP technical specifications, inspection, has prepared three tenders for the pro- construction supervision and con- curement of goods for a total value of tract administration. $2,045,000. 48 · Results by country

3. Debris management high-risk areas as determined by the pecially around major tourist sites) Department of Waste Management. and removing metal debris in Virgin Since tourism is a major income Removal of debris is a particularly Gorda. Organic debris was collect- generator, key facilities – including significant intervention for the recov- ed and recycled through the school ports of entry, as well as important ery of the tourism sector in BVI. compost programme run by the tourism sites, such as beaches – organization, while the larger debris were prioritized for debris removal. 4. Emergency was mulched and used as ground All activities of the project were employment/ cash-for-work cover in public areas. Two thousand completed successfully. These in- four hundred pounds of galvanized cluded: introductory consultations; UNDP undertook an emergency roofing material and 700 lbs of scrap procurement and distribution of employment/ cash-for-work pro- aluminium were cut on site and tools and personal protective equip- gramme in BVI, with CERF financing. transported to a recycling facility to ment; debris clearance and recy- Beneficiaries were residents who be baled for export and recycling. cling; and transfer of cash to ben- were identified by the Department of Approximately 400 lbs of assorted eficiaries. The removal of debris is Waste Management (DWM). Through domestic recyclables were sorted ongoing in BVI, and the Government this initiative UNDP partnered with a from the same area and removed to has initiated a Special Debris Clear- local non-profit organization, Green the facility for processing and recy- ance Project, budgeted at $560,000 & Clean VI, in clearing debris, cutting cling. by the RDA, which targets specific bush, cleaning up the roadways (es- Results by country · 49

Daniel Fligelstone Davies BVI’s Emergency Employment Programme UNDP Benefi ciary

Daniel Fligelstone Davies witnessed the roof of his neigh- bors’ home being ripped off and rescued them from their destroyed home. His neighbors, who have four children – two under ten – had witnessed Irma make an attempt on their lives as it tore off their roof. Daniel believes that the Emergency Employment Programme has helped some of the participants regain confi dence and hope for a brighter future. He expressed his wish for the programme to go on longer as the families in the programme are in desperate need of a stable income. WAY FORWARD

7 Way forward · 51

UNDP has assisted Governments, national institutions and affected com- munities in the essential initial steps of therir recovery efforts. Overall recovery needs for Dominica, Antigua and Barbu- da and BVI amount to more than $2 bil- lion. Recovery funds being managed by UNDP represent one percent of recov- ery needs. Significantly more funds are needed to make the necessary strides for resilient recovery in affected states and prevent further losses in the future. Given the vulnerability of all the coun- tries and territories in the Caribbean, building resilience must be a priority for the entire region. UNDP is working closely with CARICOM, CDEMA and other regional stakeholders to help advance a regional approach to resil- ience. UNDP will continue to work with its partners to improve recovery capaci- ties, not only at the subnational and na- tional levels but also across the region. From early recovery to long-term resilience in the Caribbean

Hurricanes Irma and Maria: One year on

UNDP Summary Report