“We have to take lessons from what has happened, certainly with Irma and review our building codes. We have lost and received damage to about 70 percent of our buildings, and that now gives us an opportunity to build smarter and stronger,” then Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith had stated in September 2017.

But, according to Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the level of damage done by Irma “was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.”

According to Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), the level of damage done by Irma 'was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.'

‘Territory failed to prepare adequately’- Hon Fraser

“My takeaway from these events is that the territory failed to prepare adequately for the magnitude of Irma’s strike, and that the level of damage done was a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the territory’s buildings construction standards.

“Essentially, we lost roofs because windows were either blown out by wind, or by flying objects. And those windows were lost because they simply weren’t protected. There should never be a next time,” Hon Fraser stated in his ‘reflection’ on the 5th anniversary of Irma on September 6, 2022.

Hon Fraser also said that those who have experienced the wrath of Hurricane Irma have been horrified to the point where it remains without question the most memorable moments of their lives.

“And while for the time being, there are still physical scars on the landscape as traces of its presence, there is no doubt that in time they will at some point go away, but the emotional and psychological damage will forever be a part of us,” Hon Fraser stated.

Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Buildings damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.