Kelsick says his business is at risk, as Gov’t issues notice to move to accommodate hotel developers

The Browne Administration’s “gangster” style of intimidating small
enterprises appears to have showed up again, with another
indigenous businessman being forced to leave the site from which
he has operated for over three decades.

Peter Kelsick, the proprietor of Sea Sports, reports that he is being
pressured by a foreign developer – allegedly the owner of the
Royalton Chic, located at Halcyon Beach – to relocate his business,
which has been at that site since 1984.

This business, Kelsick says, is his only means of income from which
he pays his bills and supports his family.

He notes that he has never had any complaints about being a
nuisance in the area. In fact, he says, he has received many
compliments from the visitors who enjoy the vibe, ambiance, and
decor of the local establishment.

And he has had repeat visitors patronize his business for decades, he
says. 

Reportedly, cruise passengers are his No. 1 patrons during the
height of the tourist season, which runs from October to the end of
April.

Now, Kelsick says, he has been given notice to move from the
location, because his business will block visitors’ views from their
hotel rooms.

However, there is no evidence to support this claim, he states, as the
structure he occupies is not tall.

Initially, Kelsick says, there was some talk about compensation for
uprooting his business, but that has not materialized. And, the
businessman adds, there is no place to which he can relocate. 
Reportedly, there were never any negotiations regarding what it
would take to relocate his business, nor the value of his property, he
says – only a non- negotiable offer that boils down to a take-it-or-
leave-it deal.

Kelsick claims the developers do not want to negotiate. He alleges
that they have warned that if he refuses to cooperate they have the
Government’s support. Therefore, resistance would be futile, since
he would be removed forthwith.

Taking his concerns to the media reportedly has prompted the hotel
to withdraw its offer.

Kelsick considers his current location a valuable spot, since several
hotels are in the area. This affords him greater business
opportunities, through which he will be able to refurbish his
premises, making it more attractive to visitors.

The businessman says his father was instrumental in the
development of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda, but has never been
recognized. And now, he says, he is the victim of unfair treatment by
a foreign developer.