Browne weighs on on beach-bar demolition with scathing words for Kelsick, while residents ask questions about beach use

The saga continues with various reasons being put forward for the demolition
of Peter Kelsick’s business at Dickenson Bay, with Prime Minister Gaston
Browne now weighing in.

Taking to social media, Browne has accused Kelsick of being untruthful and of
trying to gain sympathy and political value for the United Progressive Party
(UPP).

Kelsick’s business – a beach bar – was demolished under cover of darkness on
Monday night, April 22. Subsequent reports have pointed to the Development
Control Authority (DCA) – which reportedly had issued an April 25 deadline
for removal of the structure.

Other reports imply that the demolition was undertaken by a private entity.
Meanwhile, Kelsick reportedly is now threatening legal action, as his means of
income has been flattened.

But, PM Browne is accusing Kelsick of being dishonest, as, reportedly, he had
agreed to a deal with the hotel investors next door for what Browne terms
“the demolition of his derelict plywood shack.”
 
Browne says the beach bar was located, literally, on the beach, six feet away
from a block of rooms for the Royalton Chic Hotel (formerly Rex Halcyon).    
 
He says it is his understanding that Kelsick accepted a compensation package
from Royalton that is 40 times the value of his “ram-shackled building.”
While Kelsick has never denied being made an offer, he said there was no
room for negotiations. Rather, he said, it was a take-it-or-leave-it type of
approach, and he alleged that the investors said they had the backing of the
Government.

In the meantime, residents are asking why – if there was an agreement
between the two parties – the demolition was undertaken at such a late hour –
after 11 p.m. – and in such secrecy.

Further, if what the prime minister says is true, persons are also asking why
the hotel was allowed to build a block of rooms on the beach when there are
stipulations governing placement above the high-water mark.
Accompanying these questions are residents’ concerns that such
encroachment will compromise their enjoyment of the beach – which, by law,
is a public right.

In his usual fashion, Prime Minister Browne continued his statement with
abusive words hurled at the elderly businessman, including the accusation
that he was a squatter, and other uncomplimentary remarks about his
financial position.

Meanwhile, no official word has come from the DCA or the hotel developers.