DCA demolishes Kelsick’s business at Dickenson Bay under cover of night and ahead of reported Wednesday Deadline

In a stealthy move executed overnight on Monday, April 22, the Development
Control Authority (DCA) demolished Peter Kelsick’s business place at
Dickenson Bay. The demolition came after Kelsick reportedly received notice
to remove by Wednesday, April 24.
 
Earlier reports claimed that the establishment – which had been operating in
that location since 1984 – was a bother for the developers of the Royalton Chic
(the former Rex Halcyon Cove), also located in that area.
 
Kelsick says he was initially told that his business was obscuring the view
from some of the hotel’s guest rooms. Therefore, overtures were made and he
was asked to relocate.
 
Allegedly, a verbal offer for compensation was also made – but without
negotiations, in a “take it or leave it” fashion, Kelsick asserts.
 
However, after Kelsick went public with his plight, the offer reportedly was
taken off the table. The businessman also alleges that greater pressure was

brought to bear on him, as the investors reportedly indicated they have the
full support of the Gaston Browne Administration.
 
Franz deFreitas, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for City South,
had been closely monitoring this situation – even going as far as staking out
the location, from which he conducted a live report on Monday night.

DeFreitas, along with Kelsick and others, apparently had suspected the DCA
would use the cover of night to destroy the local businessman’s livelihood, as
the Browne Administration appears to be operating an authoritarian style of
government.
 
He reminds the Administration that Antigua and Barbuda is a country built on
democracy, and so such actions will not be allowed to continue.
 
The UPP caretaker says it is an injustice that a multi-million dollar
corporation would use its money and influence to bully locals out of business.
 
He points out that Kelsick’s business is not on Crown land, but on the beach,
which is public land, and is located less than 100 feet from the high-water
mark.