Project Two: The Fisherman's House

We are now moving onto rebuilding the second home—this time for the fisherman who has been living under the open sky since the storm hit on 1 July.

Unlike conventional post-disaster responses that rely heavily on external contractors, CIEL’s approach focuses on training and empowering local talent.

This not only addresses the immediate need for reconstruction but also ensures that the skills and knowledge stay in the community long after the initial relief efforts wind down.

On this project, we’ve teamed up with a local builder and a new group of carpentry apprentices from La Fortune, St. Patrick. Together, they’re learning and applying hurricane-resistant construction methods such as proper use of straps, ties, and enhanced fastenings.

These techniques are crucial for strengthening buildings against future storms, and by teaching them now, we help secure the village’s long-term resilience.

Unlike temporary fixes or complete reliance on outside expertise, CIEL’s model fosters sustainable change.

As these apprentices gain confidence and competence, they become a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and improving their own community’s infrastructure.

Instead of cyclical dependency, this approach establishes a durable foundation for resilience and self-sufficiency. It turns rebuilding from a one-time project into an ongoing process of skill-building, knowledge transfer, and local leadership development.

This second home is more than just another reconstruction effort; it’s a practical demonstration of how communities can adapt and strengthen.

By prioritizing skill development and community-based solutions, we aim to ensure that La Fortune—and other areas like it—will be better prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.