by Robert Emmanuel (Antigua Observer) As the billowing wind, torrents of rain and streaks of lightning barrelled across the country, businesses and residents were left assessing the damage caused by Tropical Storm Philippe after it made landfall in Antigua and Barbuda between Monday evening and the early hours of Tuesday.
At the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, business owners and employees were left in complete dismay with several businesses destroyed by a fire in the midst of the storm.
Skullduggery’s Café, the Antigua Yacht Club Gym, Turtles Surf, the marina office, Axxess Marine, the Sea Breeze Café, Dockside Liquors and Supermarket, Cloggy’s restaurant, and BWA Yachting Ltd were among the list of businesses which, just weeks before the tourism season reopens, went up in flames.
Many of the business owners were visibly distraught and in shock, comforted by family, friends and general well-wishers.
On Facebook, Cloggy’s wrote: “19 years went tonight up in flames… nobody got injured… we are down but will be back!”
