The ongoing dispute between longtime business owner Peter Kelsick and the government has taken another drastic turn as the establishment which has been a popular location on Halcyon Cove was knocked down on Monday night.

At about midnight, the Development Control Authority demolished the business operated by Kelsick for over 30 years.

A move, Kelsick mentioned was done prematurely as his notice gave him another day for the scheduled demolition.

The saga began some time ago when the DCA informed Kelsick that he would have to relocate his business since it was blocking the view of some parts of the newly constructed Royalton Chic resort.

However, Kelsick contested this claim, asserting that his modest structure did not impede any views from the hotel.

Negotiations also took place with the management of the new resort for compensation, but those talks stalled as Kelsick felt he was being strong-armed into moving without any true open discussions.

Kelsick is now planning to take legal action against the government and the DCA.

Since the news hit social media, many residents have been buzzing with several on both sides of the situation.

Opposition politicians have also sought interest in the matter, condemning the actions of the DCA and the management of the hotel.

Just this morning, Franz DeFreitas took to social media showing the destruction of the site on Halcyon Cove and shared his disapproval of the treatment of Antiguans and Barbudans.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez sought to shed some light on the matter explaining that Kelsick has been in negotiations with Royalton directly for some time and only reached out to the ministry last week.

Along with Kelsick’s business, another booth was situated there and according to Fernandez, the operator agreed to be relocated.

Kelsick however did not.