The Barbuda Community Centre, recently renovated and reopened earlier this year, stands as a testament to the island’s resilience and recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The upgraded facility, which also functions as a hurricane shelter, has been meticulously restored and modernized to better serve the community during emergencies. Beyond its critical role as a refuge, the centre will now host a variety of community gatherings, cultural events, and celebrations, fostering stronger social bonds among Barbudans. Officials highlight that the renovation is a key milestone in the island’s broader infrastructure rebuilding initiative, which began after Irma devastated 95 percent of Barbuda eight years ago. The project was financed through a USD $31 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with additional support from the government and the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) within the Ministry of Works. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude for the continued assistance from organizations such as the UNDP, CDB, and the European Union, emphasizing that the upgrades embody “resilience in the face of adversity.” The refurbished Community Centre is part of a series of significant civil works completed on the island, including the renovated Barbuda Council Administrative Building and the newly constructed National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Operations Centre. Ongoing projects, such as the Community Multipurpose Centre and resilient concrete roads, aim to enhance transportation and bolster Barbuda’s economic growth.