From early recovery to long-term resilience in the Caribbean

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 13

A joint effort of recovery partners 19

An overview of the results 23

Results by country 27

Way forward 55 CONTEXT

1 Context · 5

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season will forever be remembered by the Small Island Hurricane Irma, 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, Hurricane Maria made on record, with maximum winds of landfall on Dominica and affected approximately 185 miles per hour 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 Antigua uninhabitable, and the entire popula- er and water supplies were disrupt- and Barbuda, Dominica, Anguilla, tion of 1,600 persons was evacuated ed, and entire crops destroyed. the British Virgin Islands (BVI), to the main island of Antigua. Sint Maarten, the Bahamas, 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 August 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 Nevis, and the northern telecommunications, electrical 70 and 95 percent of houses were border of Haiti. infrastructure and critical facilities. damaged in Anguilla, the Bahamas, Key sector infrastructure and assets, the Turks and Caicos Islands, 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: the coping strategies of the affected needed to implement its Recovery and a corporate effort States. Development Plan. Hurricanes Irma and Maria became a The impacts of these disasters in the UNDP responded immediately to a call corporate priority for UNDP even before Small Island Developing Countries from the Caribbean Community Secre- their landfall. Preparedness plans were (SIDS) context had a multiplier effect. tariat (CARICOM) to provide policy and activated and senior leadership of all The geographic size, small popula- technical support to organize a different parts of the organization worked tions, dependent economies and frag- CARICOM-UN High-Level Pledging together to identify needs rapidly and ile and intricate connections between Conference with the purpose of mobi- define the appropriate course of action. ecosystems and livelihoods, had lizing financial and technical support The Crisis Response Unit (CRU) immedi- immense implications for the sustain- for the affected countries and territo- ately activated its response mechanisms, ability of these nations. ries. The support UNDP provided to assisting with the deployment of first When a catastrophic disaster strikes this largely non-official development responders and SURGE experts together in a SIDS – unlike other developing assistance (ODA)-eligible region re- with catalytic funding that enabled UNDP country contexts – the entire popula- sulted in $1.6 billion in grant pledges to establish solid teams in multiple islands tion and economy is usually affected. being made at the November 2018 simultaneously. Additionally, the Bureau This was the experience of Dominica, conference. for Programme and Policy Support (BPPS) BVI and Barbuda. The costs of these In response to requests from affect- made available sectoral experts in dif- disasters are estimated to have ex- ed States, UNDP provided timely and ferent fields and financial resources for ceeded the national gross domestic effective recovery support. UNDP has programmatic interventions on recovery, product (GDP) for Dominica and BVI. mobilized over $25 million to contrib- resilience and climate change adaptation Based on the Post-Disaster Needs ute to national recovery interventions that are facilitating the transition from Assessment (PDNA) for Dominica, the in affected States. This report high- early recovery to long term resilience. The identified recovery needs for recon- lights the work that the UNDP Sub- Bureau for External Relations and Ad- struction and resilience interventions – regional Office for Barbados and the vocacy (BERA) and the Bureau for Man- incorporating the principle of ‘building OECS has done in Antigua and agement Support (BMS) also played an back better’ (BBB) where possible – Barbuda, Dominica and BVI and the important role throughout the process, in amount to $1.37 billion. In Antigua and work the Multi-Country Office for collaboration with the Regional Bureau for Barbuda, recovery needs amount to Trinidad and Tobago, Surinam, Aruba, Latin America and the Caribbean and its $222 million, primarily for Barbuda. Curacao and Sint Maarten has deliv- regional hub. BVI estimates that $721 million is ered in the latter island. 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 United Nations 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 world. 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 Antigua and Barbuda, 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 George Secondary School. assess, plan, implement, and coordinate Logistics provided for procurement, recovery - PDNA completed. movement and distribution of high- qual- Comprehensive BDA completed for ity roofing material for 302 buildings. 100% of buildings and structures. Capacity built in resilient contruction Quality assurance and technical sup- BBB - 395 contractors, inspectors, archi- port provided for BBB in construction tects and other technical construction techniques. professionals trained in BBB principles. 272 roofs installed for the most vulner- 3,000 tonnes of disaster and construc- able through effective partnerships with tion debris removed through key part- NODS, local contractors, NGOs such as nerships. Samaritan’s purse and other partners Gender-balanced emergency employ- such as the Regional Security System ment provided for 28 beneficiaries (RSS) and the Antigua and (19 women, 9 men) in cooperation with Barbuda Defense Force. the Marine Ecosystem Protected Area Roofing material provided and valued (MEPA) Trust at $1,817,490 to rebuild homes and es- sential institutions, including the Hanna Thomas Hospital and the Sir McChesney 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- 12 · Overview of key UNDP contributions to national efforts

Sint

Maarten Build Back Better methodology devel- 204 jobs provided through an Emergen- oped and adopted for more resilient cy Employment Programme ‘Cash-for- roof-construction against hurricanes. As Work’ that helped sustaining livelihoods of 1 April, 2018 a fully-fledged model for in time of need. Forty percent of the “Building Back Better” in the housing beneficiaries were females. sector was developed, based on inter- Disaster Management and Risk national standards, and is being adopt- Evaluation completed. Recommenda- ed by the Government of Sint Maarten. tions and significant lessons learnt from Twenty eight roofs repaired for the most the response to Hurricane Irma identified vulnerable through solid partnerships for the improved management of emer- with the Government of Sint Maarten, gencies and disasters in Sint Maarten. local contractors, local NGOs and the Awareness, community development Dutch Government. An additional 47 and telecommunications identified as roofs are being assessed for completion main areas to improve existing disaster by the end of 2018. management plans. 15,660 m2 of debris removed from 80 private sites and seven public areas in collaboration with strategic partners such as the Government and NGOs like Nature Foundation and Kidz at Sea. Public areas cleared include ma- jor beaches, two cemeteries, water ponds and other relevant community infrastructure. UNDP STRATEGY

3 14 · UNDP Strategy

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 Grenada 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 area 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- UNDP Strategy · 15

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. 16 · UNDP Strategy

Supporting national leadership

All progress has only been possible the UNDP contributions in Barbuda thanks to the leadership of the Gov- would have been possible without ernments and the people of Domi- the support of NODS and the Bar- nica, Antigua and Barbuda and the buda Council. In the BVI, UNDP is British Virgin Islands (BVI). pleased to work closely with the UNDP has been pleased to partner Ministry of Finance to strengthen with national authorities and affect- national capacities to implement a ed communities to deliver recovery $65.29 million Caribbean Devel- results and promote long-term resil- opment Bank rehabilitation and ience. Institutions such as the Min- reconstruction loan. In Sint Maarten, istry of Housing, Lands and Water UNDP partners with the Ministry of Resource Management in Domini- Housing (VROMI) with the active ca has been coordinating housing support of the Dutch Ministry of the repairs since the aftermath of the di- Interior and Kingdom Affairs, given saster, first leading the country-wide the special constitutional arrange- building damage assessment (BDA) ments and assistance to the island and then promoting the revision, within the Kingdom of The Nether- reinforcement and use of enhanced lands. building codes. In Antigua and Bar- At the regional level, the role of buda, the Government’s National intergovernmental institutions such Office for Disaster Services (NODS) as the CARICOM, the Caribbean led the coordination of recovery in- Disaster Emergency Management terventions after Irma, facilitating the Agency (CDEMA) and the OECS has work of different partners. None of been instrumental. · 17

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 18 · UNDP Strategy

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 20 · A join effort of recovery partners

Strategic recovery partners

The governments of New Zealand, The Netherlands and the State of Kuwait, Collaboration and joint financing with multiple recov- together with the People’s Republic of ery partners have been one of the strengths the UNDP China and India, were among the first to approach. The Regional Recovery Plan for the Carib- express their solidarity with the impacted bean Post Hurricane Irma and Maria has been a joint countries and make an effective contri- effort of UNDP and its Country Offices in Barbados and bution to UNDP during the first days after the OECS, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica together the hurricanes. This support in the early with recovery champions such as China Aid, European days was catalytic to enabling the rapid Union, The Netherlands, India, Japan, The Caribbean deployment of experts, gathering initial Development Bank, World Bank, UK Department for In- data, providing technical assistance to na- ternational Development (DFID), New Zealand, Kuwait, tional partners, and conducting strategic Denmark, Romania, OCHA-CERF and other partners. investments and essential programmatic Thus far, through the support of several donors, UNDP interventions. UNDP is proud to have has mobilised $25 million to assist ongoing efforts in gained the trust of such partners, whose hurricane affected Caribbean States. See Table 1 (Next generous contributions have made a page). difference for the impacted countries and their people. A join effort of recovery partners · 21

Funding sources for UNDP Table 1 Caribbean Recovery Programmes

Recovery partner

Kingdom Caribbe- New Zealand, World Bank, Geographical of the an Devel- Kuwait, 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 1,000,000 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) 22 · A join effort of recovery partners

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, target 1.5, seeks to ‘build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situ- ations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters’. Goal 9 is to ‘Build resilient infrastruc- ture, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation’. AN OVERVIEW OF THE RESULTS

5 24 · An overview of the results

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, Sint Maarten and Barbu- ery and Development Agency (RDA). ient Execution Agency for Dominica da. All four countries undertook post-di- UNDP provides project management, (CREAD) – and is providing advisory saster debris and waste management, procurement, fiduciary and other tech- services for the establishment of the emergency employment and liveli- nical expertise to facilitate the efficient Transition Team. Drawing on its exten- hoods programmes, and participated implementation of the CDB-funded sive experience in recovery across the in interventions 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. An overview of the results · 25

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, 26 · An overview of the results

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 28 · Results by country

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 Commonwealth of Results by country · 29

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 30 · Results by country

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- Results by country · 31

ca, 488 roofs were installed: homes Working together with key partners four engineers – arrived in Dominica (472), schools (three – Paix Bouche In its role as focal point for the over- on 8 June 2018 and started re-roof- School, Penville Pre-school and all recovery efforts of international ing six buildings of the Dominica Bense 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 All Hands and Hearts.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, Cuba, 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 32 · Results by country

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- Roosevelt Skerrit, 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. Results by country · 33

3. Debris managed in St. Luke’s Primary, Delice Primary, restored economic activity through targeted areas Colihaut Primary, Soufriere Primary, debris and waste management. Bense Primary and Dublanc 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 34 · Results by country

the southern village of Pointe Michel, 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: Calibishie, 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. Results by country · 35

Jeanne Williams, Hurricane Maria Survivor, UNDP Beneficiary

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 floor 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.” 36 · Results by country

Jeanne Williams, Hurricane Maria Survivor, UNDP Beneficiary

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 independence. 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 Jeanne is one of 405 people, 42 percent like that because I like to see things clean, the environ- of whom are women, from 15 communi- ment.” 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”. Results by country · 37

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 38 · Results by country

“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 Hanna Thomas that can be replicated in other Hospital, the Nurses Hostel, the Palm Tree Guest House (utilized as interim residence for essential countries - providing significant and prioritized public service staff), and the Sir McChesney George Secondary School. By the help, and stronger resilience end of June 2018, 1,170 people had benefited against future hurricanes” from the contribution of the China Aid Roof Res- toration Initiative. The purchase of high-quality “ roofing materials, and many other products and services sourced locally and within the region, Prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, have stimulated employment for builders and Gaston Browne other sectors. This initiative has enabled the en- forcement of building codes and the promotion of “build back better” techniques. · 39

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, in close collaboration and other side, and at the back. Inside was destroyed. All my coordination with NODS, supported furniture was destroyed. So I had to take it out and dump it the distribution of materials, equip- at the dump site. Before the storm, I was at work. ment and tools to selected contrac- I took my family down to my grandparents’ house because tors. The re-roofing intervention en- they have a better house, a concrete top, not a galvanized countered several challenges during top house. So I was making preparations. I came up to bar project implementation, which were off my windows. Bar off my doors. This door actually blew surmounted by synergy and collab- off inside of the house. It was a lot of work to get this house oration with multiple partners and back together. I want to say thanks to the UN for giving us continuous leadership of national the materials so we can get our home back together. It’s Government. much stronger now. Looks much better. It’s done the right way now.” 40 · Results by country

The intervention has targeted the most Partnership counterparts and contributed to the vulnerable households. UNDP pro- Through a productive partnership with coordination of the recovery response moted the prioritization of women as the Government of Antigua and Barbu- through its role as Secretariat for the well as other vulnerable groups in the da, UNDP worked closely with NODS NODS Coordination of Irma Recovery. targeting of beneficiaries, according to in engaging more than 20 Antiguan UNDP ensured strong partnerships and a pre-agreed set of elegibility criteria. and Barbudan construction contrac- collaboration with international part- One hundred and sixty-two women tors. Partnerships were also formed ners on the ground, which allowed for were direct beneficiaries of the project, with non-governmental organizations optimal complementarity of recovery many amongst whom were heads of (NGOs) and other partners who bol- efforts. The project has been high- household. The elderly, and important stered the labour supply from NODS lighted as a successful new trilateral demographic group in the island, were contractors. These included the inter- model for South-South cooperation: the also supported, as well as persons with national NGO Samaritan’s Purse, which People’s Republic of China provided disabilities. Thanks to the joint interven- worked closely with UNDP during the the funds for reroofing materials, tools, tion with the Government of Antigua entire implementation. For one month, equipment, and technical assistance; and Barbuda and affected communities, skilled labour was provided by the the Government hired contractors and hundreds of people have been able to Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force coordinated repairs; and UNDP facili- return home to Barbuda since the entire (ABDF), a military contingent from tated the implmentation of the project. island was evacuated in September Jamaica and a military contingent from UNDP ensured the complementarity of 2017, following the impact of the hurri- the Regional Security System (RSS) of its recovery activities with other partner cane Irma. Barbados. interventions to facilitate the full repair of targeted residential buildings, with a In a pioneer model of collaboration, focus on the most vulnerable. UNDP partnered with national and local Results by country · 41

Capacity-building/training of contractors and On behalf of the people of construction professionals in resilient recon- “ struction Barbuda, we express our sincere The capacity of national institutions and partners thanks and appreciation for was strengthened through eight training ses- sions on the safe and adequate installation of coming to the aid of Barbuda in roofs. Specifically, 395 contractors, inspectors, architects and other technical construction pro- such a way. This project speaks fessionals were trained in building assessment volumes once again to the techniques, BBB principles, compliance with building codes, and quantity estimation. Orien- commitment of the Government tation sessions for 100 members of the commu- nity on BBB principles and building resilience to of Antigua and Barbuda to the natural disasters have been convened. UNDP people of Barbuda. also provided high-quality construction tools to national building contractors, and increased the capacity of local stakeholders to build disaster “ resilience. Councilwoman Ms. Mackeisha Desouza UNDP engaged in a capacity-building procure- ment fair (July 2018) that introduced 23 local entities (potential suppliers and vendors) to UNDP processes and standard operating proce- dures for procurement. As a result, knowledge and capacity were increased on how to success- fully apply and compete 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. 42 · Results by country

3. Debris management all beneficiaries, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross. UNDP assisted national institutions 4. Emergency employment/ Furthermore, community members with expertise on debris management. cash-for-work programme were engaged through meetings with To that end, it facilitated the develop- cash-for-work teams to discuss ideas, ment of an environmental management Thanks to the United Nations Central expectations and concerns before im- plan outlining comprehensive debris Emergency Response Funda (CERF), plementation. Because of these consul- management and safe disposal mech- UNDP implemented an emergency em- tations, work was adjusted to ensure a anisms for disaster waste in Barbuda ployment/cash-for-work project through more effective implementation. Weekly in collaboration with NODS and the a targeted community mobilization meetings created a bond among the Barbudan Council. This early recovery exercise that benefited the Codrington emergency employment personnel and initiative assisted to remove over 3,000 community in Barbuda. A conscious and the MEPA Trust, and were used to mon- tonnes of disaster and construction de- deliberate effort was made to include itor programme activities. This emer- bris from 281 residential sites, roadsides women and other vulnerable groups, gency employment project also served and bushland. Debris was managed including persons living with disabilities to sensitize the community on waste and safely disposed of in the govern- and persons with low income in the list minimization and waste recycling. ment-approved temporary dumping of targeted beneficiaries. site. Capturing estimated quantities on UNDP partnered with the MEPA Trust recycling proved difficult due to the to implement emergency employment conditions under which sorting was car- and rubble management activities. ried out at the community level. Debris Training was provided to workers in the removal activities involved the partner- use of small tools/equipment to ensure ship of other recovery partners, such as that the waste was safely handled and the Barbuda Recovery & Conservation disposed of. In addition, training on First Trust (BRCT). Aid Health and Safety was provided to Results by country · 43

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- 44 · Results by country

“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 Results by country · 45

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- 46 · Results by country

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. Results by country · 47

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- 48 · Results by country

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 courts; 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. Results by country · 49

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- 50 · Results by country

Daniel Fligelstone Davies BVI’s Emergency Employment Programme UNDP Beneficiary

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 confidence 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. Results by country · 51

Sint Maarten

1. Building Back Better for 2. Resilient Reconstruction more resilient to hurricanes. An addi- tional 47 households are expected long term resilience Thanks to a fruitful partnership with to benefit from repaired roofs by the the Dutch Recovery Funds for Sint UNDP in partnership with the Gov- end of the year. ernment of Sint Maarten, specifically, Maarten under the auspices of the the Ministry of Public Housing, Spa- Ministry of the Interior and King- tial Planning, Environment and Infra- dom Relations, UNDP partnered 3. Community Clean with VROMI for the reconstruction structure (VROMI) provided technical up (Debris Removal assistance for the development of of roofs and home repairs for most a Building Back Better Manual. The vulnerable persons. Consistent with Programme) manual, which includes technical UNDP’s procurement procedures, The VROMI-UNDP Community specifications and illustrations, has trained contractors were hired and Cleanup Programme focused on been incorporated as a building quality materials for resilient recon- debris removal and management in guide for VROMI on resilient roof struction were utilized. In addition fifteen districts in Sint Maarten. As a repairs. This methodology is now in- to the training received, the concept result, 15,660m2 of debris were re- stitutionalized and has been shared of resilient reconstruction has been moved from public and private areas with other development actors on promoted in anticipation of potential targeting most vulnerable house- the ground including The World catastrophic events. To date, as part holds and restoring access to some Bank, White and Yellow Cross, VNG of an initial project, 28 houses have remote areas. International, and the International been completed in eight different Cooperation Agency of the Associa- districts in line with the Build Back tion of Netherlands Municipalities. Better guidelines, thus making them 52 · Results by country

Through partnership with the 4. Emergency Employment in time of need. Forty-five percent Collective Prevention Services Programme ‘Cash-for-Work’ of those surveyed revealed that the (CPS), UNDP executed a mosqui- income from the project was their to-fogging programme where CPS Reactivation of local economies sole source of income. Of those sur- was able to train unemployed per- and income generating activities veyed, 55 percent needed to sup- sons in mosquito fogging to become for affected communities are key plement their income by undertaking Vector Control Apprentices. The elements of UNDP recovery inter- casual work outside the project and joint effort succeeded in eliminating ventions. In Sint Maarten, UNDP 60 percent of the income was used mosquito breeding at debris clean- collaborated with the Ministry of to pay for accommodation. The rest up sites thus preventing the possible Public Health and Social Develop- was used to cover children needs outbreak of vector-borne diseases, ment to conduct a National Employ- and buy food and other household particularly those spread by mosqui- ment Registration Survey (NERS) for essentials. Overall, worker satisfac- toes. the identification of persons who tion was high. All surveyed persons had lost their jobs or worked fewer In collaboration with Nature Founda- appreciated the opportunity to earn hours as a direct result of the im- an income at a critical time. A signif- tion and Kidz at Sea, UNDP complet- pact of Hurricane Irma. This process ed the clean-up of the Oyster Pond, icant number of workers were able permitted the creation of a pool of to find regular employment with a a large water source in the shore- unskilled workers who could be line. The clean-up took place in man- contracting entity as they had also employed in various UNDP projects acquired some additional skills. grove and marine life management namely, the Community Clean-up areas, where due care to the local and the Roof Repair Programme. 5. Disaster Management ecosystem was paramount. UNDP The Government and UNDP also and Risk Evaluation support included especial assistance encouraged local contractors to hire Using lessons learnt after Hurricane to unskilled workers, technical staff unskilled workers to promote great- Irma, in support to relevant authori- and provision of equipment. Given er social inclusion resulting in UNDP ties, UNDP conducted an evaluation the complexity of the programme, providing jobs to 204 persons within to help improve preparedness and divers were used to monitor the ma- their own communities. rine environment under water and overall emergency and disaster heavy equipment was required to An exit survey of workers indicated management. The evaluation was remove large chunks of debris from that the cash-for-work programme informed by a wide stakeholder con- the water source. significantly assisted their livelihoods sultation that included the govern- Results by country · 53

ment, the private sector, NGOs and ment and telecommunication. Firstly, community, to identify safety haz- affected communities on topics such improving awareness - education ards and to serve as a first response as disaster response, immediate of the community on how to pre- team. Thirdly, telecommunication - preparedness, operations, resto- pare for crisis/disaster including the establishing an emergency telecom- ration and humanitarian assistance. building specifications, being prop- munications system that can with- A key outcome of the evaluation erly insured, property maintenance stand disaster, and a reliable and was the identification of areas for and establishing a family/community formal system for giving warnings strengthening and findings to close evacuation plan and sustainability island wide. The telecommunication gaps. plan (food, water etc). Secondly, system must consider the needs The final report offered three main community development - mobilizing of persons with disabilities such as recommendations for improvement and training already existing com- hearing impairment. related to the vital areas of commu- munity (district) councils and estab- nity awareness, community develop- lishing other councils in all districts to identify those vulnerable in the

“I am thankful, on behalf of the Sint Maarten “ “ people, for the assistance rendered via this project to the roofless.”

Honourable Minister Miklos Gitterson Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure 54 · Results by country

B.B. UNDP cash for work contractor

I was always in the construction field. I was able to do “In my personal view, I found everyone passionate certain things like building houses, but the hurricane about the work. Not only because we were being paid, took away my job as a construction contractor. Be- but because we were out here doing something, mak- fore, my company was hired to just build houses but ing a change. now persons would first need to clear away hurricane Do you know how good it feels? Sometimes we pass wreckage, and very few had the financial means to do on Link One and look over Raoul Illidge and say to so. Which means, I was without work. Though after the ourselves, “we cleaned this, we cleaned Raoul Illidge. hurricane we willingly volunteered to clean families’ It’s a sense of pride.” and some of our neighbours’ yards, we were still not making an income.” B.B. said in a recent interview. Becoming a listed contractor in UNDP’s “Cash for “I am now very proud to say, because of my participa- work” project actually brought me to say, ‘Okay fellas, tion in the UNDP’s cash for work project, I have gained we can actually clean up and get money for it’; we can a new skill and was able to get my income,” said B.B. now earn an income to feed our families. It’s a plus. WAY FORWARD

7 56 · Way forward

UNDP has assisted Governments, transform from socio-economic envi- national institutions and affected com- ronmental shocks. In order to support munities in the essential initial steps of the efforts of the affected countries in their recovery efforts. Overall recovery building resilience UNDP proposes to needs for Dominica, Antigua and Bar- provide support for diagnosis of disas- buda, Sint Maarten and BVI amount to ter management systems ensuring to more than $2 billion. Recovery funds address gender responsiveness and being managed by UNDP represent sustainability. one percent of recovery needs. Sig- Regional approaches to climate risk will nificantly more funds are needed to be grounded in the work with govern- make the necessary strides for resilient ments and communities in the following recovery in affected states and prevent areas of intervention: further losses in the future. • Adaptation and risk governance: Given the vulnerability of all the coun- fostering resilience for food security; tries and territories in the Caribbean, livelihoods, climate-resilient inte- building resilience must be a priority for grated water resource and coastal the entire region. UNDP is proud to be management; climate-resilient infra- working closely with CARICOM, CDEMA structure and energy. and other regional stakeholders in- cludingprivate sector partners and key • De-risking: risk assessment and stakeholders such as the Climate Smart analysis, legislative and institutional Coalition, the Clinton Foundation, insur- frameworks and energy de-risking. ance companies, UN agencies, funds • Investments and access to finance: and programmes and other relevant studies on resilience building, eco- actors. nomic diversification and energy Building resilience is a gender respon- • Insurance for sustainable develop- sive and transformative process of ment: promotion of micro-insurance strengthening the capacity of people, for the most vulnerable communities communities, institutions, and countries and populations. to anticipate, manage, recover, and

From early recovery to long-term resilience in the Caribbean Hurricanes Irma and Maria: One year on

Barbados and the OECS September 2018