Disrupted identities and forced nomads: A post-disaster legacy of neocolonialism in the island of Barbuda, Lesser Antilles

In the aftermath of forced evacuation island Barbuda due to Hurricane Irma, Barbudan people have experienced an exile and return a ‘new’ geographical, political, economic context, albeit on same island. With specter climate change potential impacts communities nations, we use Barbuda, sister Antigua in Lesser Antilles, examine trajectory nomadic identities as they navigate changes that threaten contemporary land relationships culture. Since its first permanent settlement 17th Century, geography has been fundamental identity provided continuity into modern The breaking down this close relationship with introduction tourism monoculture reduces Barbuda’s ability respond crises such hurricanes pandemics. challenge post-disaster will address conditions pushing Barbudans towards identity. We discuss terms subsequent changed both by severe weather event policy is disruptive identity, sovereignty, way life.