Reading the posts forecasting a continuation of the tough times is sad for those that are living the difficulties daily, but if you take a look at the experiences of others that have gone through similar events, I think you will indeed find plenty of reasons for hope and optimism.
A common trait in human nature is to assume that what is going on now is going to continue to go on. In the investment world, you'll routinely hear us say that the "trend is your friend." Basically you often assume that what's going on will continue to go on until it quits going on. Classic chart analysis. The thing is, things will change, and no doubt positive change is coming to the island. Watching things on a day to day basis though, it's often hard to see it coming.
Two other interesting things happen though after most major storms and catastrophes. First, people use the the rebuilding process to build back better. If a home always wished it had a better kitchen, it will be enhanced. If it needed another bedroom, it will be added. If the whole place needed to be updated, it will be done. What this does is ultimately increase the appeal and market value of the properties over what was before. As a result, if you study the impact of coastal storms in other places, often, with hindsight, they are considered not just landmark events for their difficulty, but ultimately hugely positive times for property owners that benefit from the surge in valuations from the enhanced and rebuilt neighborhood. Insurance companies have documented this type of post-storm valuation enhancement for years. I had a lake house that was flooded in 1994; water about 2 inches over the kitchen counter. Tough at the time, but the surge in valuations throughout the lake in the years that followed ultimately made the event hugely positive.
A second thing to remember is, like most things, follow the money. Insurance companies and their requirements will have a much larger impact on everything going forward, particularly during the rebuilding process. Through higher premiums, they will impact where it is cost effective to rebuild (based on future risks to themselves), buildings codes for the reconstruction, and cause any place that is determined to operate in a high risk zone without change to pay through the nose going forward. Insurance costs will move some hotels and businesses away from models that were acceptable a year ago. That's just the market doing its thing. People will deal with it and it will be fine.
Bottom line is that while the short-term circumstances for many will remain challenging, the future of a newly rebuilt St Barths should be something that should have those that appreciate and invest in this little island ultimately very excited.