By the Caribbean Journal staff

The island of Barbuda was totally devastated by the passage of Hurricane Irma last week

Almost 95 percent of the island’s buildings were destroyed, with both private properties and government facilities either destroyed or extensively damaged, while one life was lost.

The situation is severe, though relief and rebuilding efforts have begun.

“The Government will do whatever it takes in the short term to get Barbuda on its feet again,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael. “However, the best way to help our islands as we return to normal is for visitors to continue with their vacation plans or make plans to visit us soon to experience at first hand the warmth and hospitality of our people.” (It should be noted that the island of Antigua was spared from Irma’s wrath, and is already “open for business.”

But you can help with direct donations to Barbuda, too.

Antigua’s National Office of Disaster Services is also working with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross on Barbuda Relief and Recovery; donations can be made either via the Ticketing app here or made either directly to the Red Cross here.

Antigua and Barbuda’s government has also set up special accounts exclusively for Barbuda donations, information for which can be found below.

For more information on making donations via those accounts, visit Antigua and Barbuda Tourism.