Page 16 - ARUBS TODAY

A16 LOCAL
Wednesday 11 OctOber 2017

Opinion Column: Observations on Building a New Caribbean

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert political organization in the
ORANJESTAD - Having ex- region would be foolish to
perienced two hurricanes doubt their credibility.
cat. 5, having seen the The institute should inde-
devastation and been pendently do its research
around to feel and under- and development to es-
stand the inconveniences, tablish a building code
to just express it mildly; no for hurricane stealth and
water, no electricity or no resisting construction. I
telecommunication for an even suggest it to have a
extended period. Lots of wind tunnel available to
time though to think about test structure models in ex-
what happened and who treme high wind circum-
are suffering, and wonder- stances. In addition, the
ing about the future. institute should be the pre-
ferred independent inter-
Returning to what may national organization that
be considered ‘normal’ is can certify whether design,
not an option but rather a construction or materials
mediocratic restoration. I are appropriate. There-
have seen buildings that re- fore, it will have inspectors
mained almost untouched. and adjusters. Again, no
I have seen buildings with- government or political in-
out roofs, windows, or volvement. The insurance
doors where residents sat industry from its side might
in front of what once was metal. It may bring me in the dog- tional universities such as for determine that that any
their beloved home, and Hurricane preparedness in- house, but I dare to say that instance the Technical Uni- new commercial building
their complete damaged cluding having bottled wa- the various individual Carib- versity Delft - Netherlands, that is not hurricane certi-
furniture and belongings in ter, batteries, getting any bean governments are in- Technical University Zurich fied can only be insured
the yard or on the street in lose items out of the way, competent to establish an – Switzerland. No political at higher premiums, get
front of them. People not etc. is a minimal precau- appropriate code that fo- involvement; an absolutely limited coverage, or in the
knowing what to d or what tion. What about buildings cuses on building hurricane independent and impartial worst case it may not be
may be next. I have seen and construction? The Ca- resistant structures. Even if organization. considered at all for insur-
tremendous piles of sheet ribbean needs a hurricane one government would be Why the insurance indus- ance coverage. The build-
metal; pardon my rude building code. able to do so, what about try? When it comes to big ing suppliers could proudly
English, but I now call it shit the ten plus other countries dollars and cents, whose show the certificate or seal
that have ten plus different profits suffered the most of approval on their prod-
viewpoints? What about after the hurricanes? They ucts. Come to think of it, in-
the political umbrella orga- should have a vested in- vestors in new projects may
Paradise in the Caribbean nizations handling it? If you terest in any practical and also applaud to see a cer-
tification.
ask me, I have my doubts. realistic solution that reduc-
Did I say doghouse? Now, es risks; after all, believe it The mission of the institute
I may be thrown in front of or not, it is a risk adverse is not to police or regulate,
the lions. Being skeptical or industry. Why the build- but rather be an undertak-
critical is one thing, com- ing/construction industry? ing to prevent and protect
ing up with a positive sug- They should be interested against hurricane damag-
gestion is a different thing. in developing materials es of an extraordinary pro-
Okay then, here we go…. and methods that resist portion that we have seen
An independent Carib- any challenging situation. recently and which actu-
bean Research and Devel- Their financial support and ally may return at any time
opment Institute for Archi- investment should pay in the future. It is not the
tecture and Construction off well for them in return. aim to take authority away
should be founded. The In- Why the international uni- from local governments.
stitute should be supported versities? That should not Although, it could become
by the Insurance and the need much explanation. a matter of lead, follow, or
Building Industries. The ac- They are reputable and get out of the way of the
tivities of the institute should insurance, building/con- institution.
SALES OFFICE +297 2801005 info@leventaruba.com be carried out in coopera- struction industries will trust
MOBILE +297 5927275 www.leventaruba.com tion with reputable interna- them. Any government or Continured on Page 27