--- title: Antigua & Barbuda PM Gaston Browne: Hurricanes Are New Norm description: The culprit is “obviously” climate change says Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and the world has to address the threat. canonical: https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/ author: Tara John article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2017-09-12T10:29:31.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T04:58:30.473Z article:section: World og:title: Antigua & Barbuda PM Gaston Browne: Hurricanes Are New Norm og:description: The culprit is “obviously” climate change says Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and the world has to address the threat. og:url: https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blteed2a6c7d58f29a7/6988dd534ee262ff4b30ef38/gettyimages-844823570.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: BARBUDA-WEATHER-HURRICANE-IRMA og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Antigua & Barbuda PM Gaston Browne: Hurricanes Are New Norm twitter:description: The culprit is “obviously” climate change says Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and the world has to address the threat. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blteed2a6c7d58f29a7/6988dd534ee262ff4b30ef38/gettyimages-844823570.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Hurricane Irma's Damage Could Cost Us $300 Million, Antigua and Barbuda PM Says > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=955ffb3d-bd82-424b-9277-bf226896db93&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Tara John / Antigua](https://time.com/author/tara-john/) ## Tara John / Antigua Sep 12, 2017 10:29 AM UTC  Houses are seen on Sept. 8, 2017 in Codrington, Antigua and Barbuda, devastated by Hurricane Irma Houses are seen on Sept. 8, 2017 in Codrington, Antigua and Barbuda, devastated by Hurricane IrmaGEMMA HANDY—AFP/Getty Images by [Tara John / Antigua](https://time.com/author/tara-john/) ## Tara John / Antigua Sep 12, 2017 10:29 AM UTC The cost of rebuilding the Caribbean island of [Barbuda](http://time.com/4935433/hurricane-irma-barbuda-antigua-survivors-caribbean/) left in ruins by Hurricane Irma could be as much as $300 million, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has warned. He urged the international community to come to the aid of islands severely hit by the Category 5 storm. “We require probably about $250-300 million,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne told TIME in an interview in Antigua on Tuesday. “The extent of the damage is beyond the means of these islands … Global human cooperation is an absolute necessity.” The dual-island state of Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first places where Hurricane Irma made landfall, with winds of up to 185 mph. As a coral island just a few feet above sea level, Barbuda had few natural barriers to break the impact of the winds. As a result, some 95% of the structures on the island about the size of Nantucket were either damaged or destroyed. Its infrastructure is in pieces and its population of 1,800 are now homeless and scattered around a number of shelters across Antigua, which escaped the worst of the storm’s impact. Rebuilding homes and infrastructure could take at least six months, officials said. Antigua and Barbuda is just one of the island nations and territories ravaged by Irma. The British Virgin Islands and St Martin, the island shared by the Dutch and the French, also saw catastrophic damage. Browne said the costs to repair St Martin could top $1 billion. “I don’t think there is any time in living history where one would have seen a Category 5 (Hurricane Irma) and a Category 4 (Hurricane Jose) in such close succession,” he said. “We have no doubt this is a result of global warming, sea level rise and climate change.” Browne backed the [call by British billionaire Richard Branson](https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/update-bvi-hurricane-irma-aid-efforts) — whose Necker Island resort was also ruined by the storm — for a Marshall Plan to help revitalize and rebuild the areas stricken by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean. “This is not a situation in which Caribbean islands are going cap in hand or with a begging bowl to wealthy countries. They have an obligation to assist \[small developing islands\] especially as heavy polluters. They have to help us because they are contributing to the issue as heavy polluters.”  Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne alongside Prince Harry during the British royal's official visit to Antigua on Nov. 21, 2016 Pool/Samir Hussein—WireImage The Prime Minister, who has been [vocal about the risks ](https://caribbeannewsservice.com/now/antigua-barbuda-walking-the-talk-on-climate-change-adaptation/)small island developing states (SIDS) face since being elected in 2014, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to remember the Caribbean as he asks Congress for funds for hurricane recovery. “My message is: just as Trump is helping other U.S. states, like Florida and Texas, just remember that there are some countries in the Caribbean that got damaged and the U.S. can do more,” he says. “They ought to do more. You cannot be the biggest and most powerful country in the world and have small islands right on your doorstep on the so-called third border.” Antigua and Barbuda has largely avoided the food shortages and looting that has occurred in other Caribbean islands, like St Martin, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Charles Fernandez attributes it to two things: the island lacks “the large disparity of income, which is what you see in other islands” he told TIME, and it was fully evacuated in the wake of the storm. But the government must now appease homeless Barbudans while trying to tackle what is one of his country’s biggest issues in a sustainable manner. At a public consultation on Monday evening, numerous Barbudans bristled at the notion that they won’t be able to immediately move back to the island, despite officials insisting that they are attempting to prevent an outbreak of a mosquito-borne disease like Zika. Browne now hopes that with the help of international donors he will be able to rebuild an island that will withstand the storms of the the future. His government has worked towards upgrading the island’s building codes, by creating concrete homes, with concrete roofs that have deep foundations, which go up to 40-feet into the bedrock. “What my government doesn’t want is for any donor in the public or private institution accuse us for not being getting value in money,” he says. “So if we have a similar storm in two or seven years from now, we can say: “hey now look we have a more resilient country that can stand up to the effects of climate change.” ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/"},"headline":"Hurricane Irma's Damage Could Cost Us $300 Million, Antigua and Barbuda PM Says","datePublished":"2017-09-12T10:29:31.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:58:30.473Z","description":"“We have no doubt this is a result of global warming, sea level rise and climate change.”","url":"https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/","keywords":["hurricane irma"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blteed2a6c7d58f29a7/6988dd534ee262ff4b30ef38/gettyimages-844823570.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Tara John / Antigua"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blteed2a6c7d58f29a7/6988dd534ee262ff4b30ef38/gettyimages-844823570.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"BARBUDA-WEATHER-HURRICANE-IRMA","caption":"BARBUDA-WEATHER-HURRICANE-IRMA","creditText":"GEMMA HANDY—AFP/Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/hurricane-irma/","name":"hurricane irma"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4937000/hurricanes-antigua-and-barbuda-gaston-browne/","name":"Hurricane Irma's Damage Could Cost Us $300 Million, Antigua and Barbuda PM Says"}}]}] ```