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Disaster Looms: Construction Jacks Support Collapsing Roof at St. John’s Business

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Disaster Looms: Construction Jacks Support Collapsing Roof at St. John's Business
Local store in St Johns faces safety concerns

Concern is growing for the safety of customers and employees at a local store situated opposite the Digicel office on Redcliffe and Market Street.

Eyewitness reports highlight serious structural issues that pose a danger to those inside and around the establishment.

A recent visit to the store has raised alarms after an individual observed hazardous conditions firsthand.

“To say that I felt unsafe is an understatement,” they described, expressing deep concern for the well-being of patrons and staff alike.

The primary issue identified was the reliance on construction jacks to support the concrete roof, leading to fears of potential accidents if the situation is not addressed promptly.

Disaster Looms: Construction Jacks Support Collapsing Roof at St. John's Business
Construction jacks are supporting the ceiling of this St. Johns business

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Residents are now calling on authorities to conduct an immediate inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

“This is an accident waiting to happen,” another concerned observer stated. “It’s crucial that something is done before someone gets hurt.”

Meanwhile, one local contractor told Antigua.news that this is a dangerous situation, and the building should be shut down until renovation work is complete.

“The roof is deteriorating, and what has happened is that the owners are using construction jacks to support it. Now that is very dangerous, as huge chunks of concrete could fall off the roof and hurt someone. This is quite possible. It is definitely a tragedy waiting to happen,” he said.

Safety Concerns Emerge as Store In St Johns Faces Serious Structural Issues

As worries mount, questions are being raised about the responsibility of both the store management and local authorities to maintain safe conditions in public spaces.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/08/10/disaster-looms-construction-jacks-support-collapsing-roof-at-st-johns-business-1. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (8)

  • Juju Bee August 10, 2025, 8:58 AM

    So u can mention Diego but you cannot tell me the name of the store? What sort of nonsense that. So how can people protect themselves if they don’t know where?
    Reply

    • Antigua Surf August 11, 2025, 8:50 AM

      It’s giving you’re a retard. I just had to see opposite Digicel and I automatically know the name of the store.
      Reply

  • Gersher August 10, 2025, 9:07 AM

    I suppose they can’t afford to close down the building. It could take several weeks to fix and to lose money ans continue to pay the staff while they are at home is costly. However the right thing to do is to always do what is right. And the right thing to do close the business down.
    Reply

    • Cool Dude August 10, 2025, 9:13 AM

      Tell me what’s cheaper. Losses from closure for renovation or lawsuit payments? They should be shutdown immediately – that’s not negotiable.
      Reply

  • Lisa August 10, 2025, 12:00 PM

    how is that a local store? A heavy Chinese store opposite Digicel can be a local store?
    To the owners of Antigua. news lthe term local = black Antiguan. Any thing else please state their ethnic/ nationality. Or maybe you all trying to throw shade at the owner of the entire building. and we know who that is….ar you very evil eh.
    Reply

    • Rhea August 11, 2025, 8:52 AM

      Did it say locally owned? Or did it say a local store? Come on Lisa. It’s local cause it’s in Antigua. If they said locally owned then that’s different……
      Reply

  • Informed citizen August 10, 2025, 9:09 PM

    This incident raises some serious questions about building codes and inspection processes in Antigua. How did a building get to this state without any intervention?
    Reply

  • Tanya August 11, 2025, 1:48 PM

    So you mean to tell me the management dont see the hazard? They are well aware. They are simply trying to wave a buck while keeping people’s lives at risk
    Reply

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