In ‘storm-hit’ Barbuda, China fills void left by West neglect

CODRINGTON, Antigua and Barbuda, July 15, (AFP): Steel drums carry a jubilant rendition of “Guantanamera” over the ruins of Barbuda’s capital Codrington, as dignitaries and residents mark the latest bit of progress in the island’s grueling struggle to recover from Hurricane Irma.

The event celebrated a Chinesefunded program to replace roofs ripped from more than 300 homes by the powerful storm that damaged or destroyed nearly every building on the tiny island when it roared through on Sept 6 last year.

The project has enabled hundreds of families to return home from sister island Antigua as Barbuda continues the daunting process of rebuilding the 62 square mile (160 square kilometer) isle, where a scant five percent of homes escaped damage.

But it has also burnished the image of China at a time when some in the region, including the tiny archipelago’s prime minister, complain that US and European aid have fallen short.

The $2 million repair project marks a “new model of assistance” from the Chinese government, said Ambassador Wang Xianmin.

The challenge of rebuilding after Irma has been enormous: an estimated 60 percent of Barbudans were left homeless; the island’s electrical system was devastated; potable water was scarce.

While the Chinese contribution was a relative drop in the ocean compared to the estimated $220 million needed, locals say they at least followed through, while other promises of aid have proved frustratingly elusive.

Edith Griffin had spent nine months living in a tent with her family by the time her Codrington home was finally repaired last week.

“It’s so comfortable to be back home,” she told AFP.

William Beazer was similarly relieved to have the tarp covering his shattered house replaced with sturdy new galvanized steel.

Bit by bit, life has edged closer to normal. As families start returning, the island’s children inject a buzz into the air.