Some 50 key persons assisting with and interested in the recovery efforts particularly in the Leeward islands of the Caribbean gathered at the British Expertise headquarters in London on 30th January 2018 to listen to presentations from both Government representatives and industry experts as to the impacts, challenges and opportunities from the catastrophic damage resulting from the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.

Lord Bruce, Chairman of the Caribbean Council, opened the proceedings noting the Council’s role in networking interested parties to work towards exchange of skills and information,
Ms Karen Mae Hill, High Commissioner from Antigua opened the discussions from regional Government officials highlighting the devastation and its impact as a percentage of the GDP of the country and calling for key improvements in building codes and the need for a phased improvement in the sustainability in infrastructure to withstand storms as their ferocity looked to increase in the future.

Ms Nakinda Daniel High Commissioner for Dominica presented a graphic power point of the terrible destruction on her country showing pictures of catastrophic damage and noting that her country had been cut off from all communication with the world for 4 days.

Mr Benito Wheatley from the British Virgin Islands highlighted his Government’s efforts to continue in business supporting both financial services which have continued operating in part from remote locations and supporting tourism’s efforts both in the charter boat area and land based. Government has established regional assessment boards to direct resources to where they are most needed.

Martyn Bould, Chairman of Bould Consulting Limited then presented on the impacts, challenges and opportunities highlighting the on ground conditions and chaos that exists following such catastrophes and how Bould Consulting Limited responded, based on its experience from hurricane Ivan and others, to establish a team on the ground within days of the event and to assist insureds as to the correct procedure for making a claim and how to negotiate its settlement.

Chris Bennett MD of Caribbean Council highlighted were funding was available from Government and Aid agencies and how effective this has been.

Peter Phipps from Mott McDonald presented a case study of a road in Dominica illustrating its sustainability pre and post damage from hurricane Maria and noting the need for sustainability review both in planning, execution and maintenance.

A lively question and answer session followed in particular looking at the viability of funding construction methods to meet the ongoing threats of similar disasters.