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• October 3, 2023

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TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

(Consulting Services – Accountant)

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) was created to increase the amount of financing available to MSMEs in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The programme provides guarantees of up to 80% on loans made by private sector lenders to qualifying micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). ECPCGC became operational in 2020 and its staff is working with banks in the six nations that comprise the ECCU. In general, both banks and MSMEs are unfamiliar with guarantee schemes and the credit enhancement that they can provide. The process is that the entrepreneurs approach the financial institutions for loans, armed with their financial documents, projections, business history, and a clear idea of the purpose of the loan. The institutions would review the documents, adjudicate the loan, and if approved, send an application to ECPCGC for a guarantee to make up for the collateral deficit. In the absence of proper records, the financial institutions are unable to complete their assessments.

The Current Issue

The banks have cited the following issues that are prevalent among the customers:

• A high level of informality among the businesses
• Incomplete financial records
• Unrealistic business projections

Consequently, the institutions have requested that the clients get their files organized so that proper assessments may be made of the businesses and the need for financing. Many clients are cash constrained and are unable to afford the fees for an accountant to prepare the requisite statements. They, therefore, do not return to the banks with the documentation and so lose out on the opportunity to participate in the guarantee programme.

As the economies rebound from COVID 19, it is expected that the demand for guarantees will pick up, and there may be many more under prepared clients trying to access the guarantees. ECPCGC will send referrals to the accountant so that the required reports can be prepared for submission to the financial institutions. 

The Purpose of the Assignment

ECPCGC is looking to obtain the services of an experienced accountant who has worked with MSMEs nationally and has experience in creating financial reports and projections from incomplete records. 

The consultant would have the following responsibilities:

• Facilitate meetings with the clients for whom referrals are made
• Retrieve records from the client – invoices, receipts, bank statements, and other records, depending on the type of business that the client owns
• Use the records provided and other information obtained from the client, to compile financial records that would provide a clear indication of the financial standing of the business
• Provide business projections, supported by the statements that were compiled above

Fees will be paid on a “per client” basis.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10-15 years of accounting experience and would have substantial prior engagement with MSMEs. 

Term of the Engagement

The engagement will last between 6 and 12 months beginning in June 2022. 

Expression of Interest:

Interested applicants whose qualifications and experience are in line with the Terms of Reference are invited to submit their CV, a letter of application stating suitability for the position, two professional references on or before May 24, 2022 at 11:59 Atlantic Standard Time (AST) to  [email protected]   with the job reference number KN-ECPCGC-293793-CS-IDV in the subject line of the email.

Key Personnel 

The following are key organizational staff that you may contact regarding any questions on the position: 

Bernard Thomas, Chief Financial Officer, 869-466-8251, [email protected]

Carmen Gomez-Trigg, Chief Executive Officer, 868-620-8144, [email protected]  

Terms of Reference for Marketing/Technical Assistance Expert for the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) was created to increase the amount of financing available to SMEs in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The scheme provides guarantees of up to 75% on loans made by private sector lenders to qualifying small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The scheme recently became operational and is working with banks in the six nations that comprise the ECCU. In general, both banks and SMEs are unfamiliar with guarantee schemes and the credit enhancement that they can provide.  

The ECPCGC was designed with a staff of four to five people to handle marketing, processing guarantee applications, and monitoring lender performance. During the initial operational phase, the need for training and implementation of the web portal has stressed the ability of the staff to keep up with day-to-day activities as well as handle the training. While the current staff has provided training on the web portal and terms and conditions of the guarantee scheme, it is likely that loan officers will have questions regarding both the terms and conditions of the scheme and web portal operations when they use the program for the first time.  

The Covid virus has slowed business on the islands, including the requests for bank lending. When lending picks up, it is likely that loan officers will have questions regarding program operations and using the web portal. In addition, one of the concerns banks raise repeatedly is that many applications are not complete when submitted, requiring substantial additional time to get all of the information in a format that can be used for a credit application.

The ECPCGC is looking for an experienced bank or non-bank loan officer who has worked with SMEs in the Caribbean region and has experience in the Sales and Marketing of financial products. The consultant would have five main responsibilities.  

• The first will be marketing the scheme to staff at the Participating Lenders, including line or branch loan officers. The idea is to convince the loan officers to consider the guarantee before declining any loan applications.  
• The second will be to develop training in pipeline building and sales for the Loan Sales Officers.
• The third responsibility will be answering questions from officers at Participating Lenders regarding the guarantee scheme. The consultant would be required to become familiar with the electronic portal that is being used to accept applications from the Participating Lenders.   While a significant amount of time has been invested in the current training regimen on the portal, experience has shown that there will be questions from loan officers when they have a case in front of them that may qualify for a guarantee.  
• The fourth facet of the engagement will be working with loan officers at Participating Lenders to get their SME loan application packages ready for submission to the ECPCGC. This includes suggestions on structuring the transaction and may include determining that the applicant is not creditworthy.
• The fifth responsibility will be to meet with selected lenders that are not currently participating in the scheme. These meetings will be via video conference and in person. The purpose will be to assess the SME lending capability of a lender.   This may involve reviewing policies and procedures, learning about their target market, and discussing credit analysis with them. Selected lenders may include banks and credit unions.  

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10-15 years of SME lending experience in the Caribbean region, preferably in the countries of the ECCU.

Experience with marketing, sales, and/or working with a guaranteed lending scheme would be beneficial.  

The engagement will last between 6 and 12 months beginning in June 2022.  

Interested applicants whose qualifications and experience are in line with the Terms of Reference are invited to submit their CV, a letter of application stating suitability for the position, two professional references, and a current Police Certificate of Good Character on or before May 20, 2022 at 11:59 Atlantic Standard Time (AST) to  [email protected]  with the job reference number KN-ECPCGC-292033-CS-INDV in the subject line of the email.  

Key Personnel  

The following are key organizational staff that you may contact regarding any questions on the position:  

Carmen Gomez-Trigg, Chief Executive Officer, 868-620-8144, [email protected]

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) was created to increase the amount of financing available to SMEs in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The scheme provides guarantees of up to 75% on loans made by privatesector lenders to qualifying small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The scheme recently became operational and is working with banks in the six nations that comprise the ECCU. In general, both banks and SMEs are unfamiliar with guarantee schemes and the credit enhancement that they can provide.

The ECPCGC was designed with a staff of four to five people to handle marketing, processing guarantee applications, and monitoring lender performance. During the initial operational phase, the need for training and implementation of the web portal has stressed the ability of the staff to keep up with day-to-day activities as well as handle the training. While the current staff has provided training on the web portal and terms and conditions of the guarantee scheme, it is likely that loan officers will have questions regarding both the terms and conditions of the scheme and web portal operations when they use the program for the first time.

The ECPCGC is looking for an experienced bank or non-bank loan officer who has worked with SMEs in the Caribbean region and has experience in the Sales and Marketing of financial products. The consultant would have fivemain responsibilities.

Interested applicants whose qualifications and experience are in line with the Terms of Reference are invited to submit their CV, a letter of application stating suitability for the position, two professional references, and a current Police Certificate of Good Character on or before May 3, 2022 at 11:59 Atlantic Standard Time (AST) to  [email protected]  with the job reference number KN-ECPCGC-156400-CS-INDV in the subject line of the email.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

OECS MSME Guarantee Facility Project

Loan No.: IDA-62670, IDA-62660, IDA-62640, IBRD-88830, IDA-62650

Assignment Title: Senior Operating Officer (SOO)

Reference No . KN-ECPCGC-207852-CS-INDV

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project.  

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses , knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30 th , 2021.   The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below.  

https://bit.ly/3yOG8F6

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have:

• An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Finance, Banking or related field; and
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending. Applicants should also have:
• The ability to design and implement risk management procedures  
• Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses
• Extensive knowledge of MSME banking operations
• Knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures
• Experience developing and presenting information in public, including responding to questions in real-time
• Experience lending to MSMEs located in the ECCU
• Knowledge of marketing and communicating with the MSME sector
• Ability to draft procedures to be used in a lending operation
• Familiarity with the mechanics of a loan guarantee program
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.  

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours:

Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

Bird Rock, Basseterre,

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 25 th , 2021, to [email protected] .  

For further information, please contact:

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                             Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                           Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                   Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                           [email protected]

Download PDF

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses , knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, or related field; and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending in a financial services institution. The initial contracted employment period will be for two years subject to a performance review and an expression of further contracted employment three months before the expiration of the existing contract. The assignment is expected to begin on April 15, 2021.  

The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC and the ECPCGC Board of Directors.

https://tinyurl.com/yygezdt9

• An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, or related field; and
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending in a financial services institution.

Applicants should also have:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers.  

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by February 16, 2021 to [email protected]

Brid Rock, Basseterre,

Chief Executive Officer                                                         Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                     Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                       [email protected]

Economic Advisory Services – Project Management Consultant Terms of Reference

Antigua and Barbuda

Terms of Reference

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) is to receive funding from the NDC Partnership to enhance its economic planning and recovery efforts and its response to both the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The GOAB recently established an Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) in the wake of the pandemic. It comprises public-private stakeholders, who advise the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on the long-term economic recovery of Antigua and Barbuda, including avenues to stimulate development and create jobs. The support of the NDC Partnership and its implementing partners will complement the work of the ERC.

Funding from the NDC Partnership will go towards the operationalization of a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance that will help the country to design and implement low-

carbon and climate resilient projects in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the ParisAgreement. This assistance will strengthen the country’s capacity to develop and execute interventions that address the adverse effects of climate change and improve its ability to attract climate finance.

The PMU within the Ministry of Finance will be tasked with coordinating the implementation of transformative projects for the building, road and finance sectors; and adaptation interventions. The PMU has to implement projects with oversight from the Department of the Environment (DOE) — an Accredited Entity (AE) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The PMU must also work with Executing Entities (EE) and other implementing partners. The PMU will consist of one or more Project Managers, one or more Project Coordinators, Project Component Coordinators, a Financial Officer, a Procurement Officer, an Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer, a Knowledge Management Officer, a Monitoring and Gender Officer, and an Administrative Officer.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to acquire the services of an experienced and qualified Project Management Consultant, who will be responsible for setting up and operationalizing the PMU. The Consultant will be required to set up and prepare for the operation of new projects while the project staff are being hired. The Project Management Consultant should have a proven track record of supervising and managing relevant projects. The Consultant will take responsibility for building the PMU’s capacity for planning, coordinating, and implementing low-emission and climate resilient projects. Also, the PMU will be required to carry out monitoring and evaluation and reporting functions. The Consultant will be based in the Ministry of Finance. The contractual period is expected to last for 12 months at which time the PMU should be established, and any new projects assigned will be in full operationalization and implementation phase.

Scope of Work

The Project Management Consultant will carry out specific duties and responsibilities under the general direction of the Ministry of Finance. The Project Management Consultant will:

• Prepare for approval Terms of Reference (TORs) to recruit PMU staff
• Establish the process for recruiting and onboarding new hires
• Develop a Project Operations Manual to guide the workflow of the PMU, including implementation,arrangements
• annual work plans, budgets, procurement plans, monitoring plans for approval
• procurement, project monitoring and evaluation, financial management, progress and financial reporting
• Build the capacity of local ministry staff through trainings in project development and management as well as mentor junior staff and experts
• Conduct training and capacity building of PMU staff and representatives from relevant entities that will support the work of the PMU
• Develop TORs and Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for individual consultants and firms to coordinate their work to ensure that the objectives of their consultancies are met
• Support the implementation of activities within project implementation plans in accordance with assigned budgets and schedules
• Support public outreach, stakeholder engagements and consultations
• Draft or supervise the drafting of performance reports and other reports related to projects under the unit’smanagement

monitoring and reporting

provide initial oversight for the PMU staff in the execution of their respective duties, including

• Track initial performance on established indicators to measure achievement and monitor progress towards results and overall objectives
• Train staff to track outputs and deliverables via a cloud-based project management software (Smartsheet)
• Submit, in a timely manner, required reports as stipulated by the TORIndicative Deliverables
• Identify and disseminate good practices, lessons, and knowledge
• Perform other tasks and orders required to operationalize the PMU and any new projects underoperationalization during the duration of the contract

During this contract period, if the PMU has to implement a project, the Project Management Consultant will be provided with more detailed tasks.

Institutional Arrangements and Reporting

The Project Management Consultant will work under the guidance and supervision of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. The Project Management Consultant will provide oversight of the Project Management Unit and shall liaise with the government, NDC Partnership, donor agencies and other key stakeholders. The Project Management Consultant shall also collaborate with the Economic Advisor and the Climate Finance Analyst during the execution of his/her tasks and responsibilities.

Education, Experience, Skills and Abilities

The Project Management Consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, public policy/administration or related discipline with strong experience in project management
• At least 8-years experience in project preparation and management, and being engaged in similar assignments
• Formal training and/or certification in project management
• Experience delivering training in project management strategies, techniques and best practices
• Experience delivering training in budget preparation and risk managementEconomic Advisory Services – Project Management Consultant, Antigua and Barbuda 3 October 2020
• At least 5-years experience working with regional and international donor and financing agencies
• Knowledge of the Green Climate Fund’s policies and procedures or the United Nations FrameworkConvention on Climate Change process is an advantage
• Knowledge of the Antigua and Barbuda political and institutional context is an asset
• Previous work experience in small island developing States (‘SIDS’), particularly in the Caribbean isdesirable
• Proficient in the use of project management software tools and techniques
• Experience in collecting and analyzing economic and social data is an asset
• Be computer literate and well developed skills of working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Explorer
• Fluent in oral and written English, excellent communication, presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment
• Ability to adapt to dynamic environments

Economic Advisory Services – Project Management Consultant, Antigua and Barbuda 4 October 2020

Invitation to Tender

Construction of Airport Heliport

Property located at the Eastern end of Runway 10 has been designated for a helicopter landing area.   This tender is being offered for the construction of a helicopter landing pad as well as a 4 office building.  

The area will require preparation and landing area constructed in accordance with ICAO and ECCAA regulations as well as logistically designed for maximum safety and benefit.

Requirements:

• Be able to apply for and receive an ABAA pass, as well as have clean Police Records.
• Aviation knowledge required.
• Helicopter Flight Logistics knowledge a must.
• References in construction will be required.

All bids must be submitted to [email protected] by 20 Nov. 2020.   All enquires with regard to tender should be addressed to the above email.

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project. 

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses , knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30 th , 2021.  The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below. 

https://bit.ly/3iVannm

• The ability to design and implement risk management procedures 

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. 

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 11 th , 2021, to [email protected] . 

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                            Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                          Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                  Tel: 869-765-2385

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Fire devastates historic Antigua Yacht Club Marina

Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour has been devastated by a fire that began in the late hours of 2 October.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known, although local reports have attributed the fire to a lightning strike caused by the tropical storm Philipe which made landfall in Barbuda on the same day as the fire. 

Flames had engulfed the yacht club by midnight, with firefighter's efforts hampered by strong winds. According to a statement by Antigua & Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services, firefighters were still attempting to suppress the blaze by 5am. 

Local businesses have been razed by the fire, including Skull Duggery Café and Cloggy's.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne commented on the situation online: "Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on [...] while assisting the business and property owners to rebuild." He also noted that the destruction would result in "at least 100 job losses".

The formerly abandoned Alfa Nero was removed from the site prior to the blaze. No casualties have been reported.

A statement by the yacht club reads: "Antigua Yacht Club Marina is deeply devastated by the fires that occurred last night, particularly affecting the facilities and services within our main complex. Our thoughts are with the affected business owners and their employees during this difficult time."

It continued: "Despite this unfortunate incident, we want to assure our valued members, patrons, and the sailing community that the main marina facilities, including diesel, water, electricity, and dockage, remain fully operational. We are committed to providing uninterrupted services to our visitors and guests."

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Fire destroys buildings at historic yacht club

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

Written by: Marine Industry News

A severe fire that broke out in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, has caused significant damage to the historic Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort on the island’s southeastern coast.

The cause of the fire, which started on Tuesday (3 October 2023), has not been confirmed. However, local reports have linked it to a lightning strike during tropical storm Philippe, which struck Barbuda on the same day.

Firefighters attended the scene, but strong winds hampered their efforts to bring the blaze under control. A statement by Antigua & Barbuda’s National Office of Disaster Services says firefighters were still attempting to suppress the blaze at 5am on Wednesday.

This has caused the closure of several well-known restaurants, cafes and businesses in the proximity of the Antigua Yacht Club, with some being burned to the ground. Local reports state that up to 100 people may have lost their job as a result. The Yacht Club building itself has survived.

State media ABS reports that the fire has affected Skull Duggery café, Yacht Club Marina Gym, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office and Dockside Liquor in the yacht club’s commercial building. No serious injuries have been reported.

In a post shared on Facebook, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said: “Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on.”

The ‘abandoned’ superyacht Alfa Nero , which is currently at the centre of a legal wrangle after a failed attempt to sell it to Google’s ex-CEO, was docked at Antigua Yacht Club Marina but was moved on Monday before the storm.

The National Office of Disaster Service (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda says there have been over 30 requests for search and rescue following widespread flooding throughout the island after storm Philippe passed.

Antigua Yacht Club Marina has issued a statement saying it is “deeply devastated by the fires” that have impacted the facilities and services within its main complex. “Our thoughts are with the affected business owners and their employees during this difficult time.”

It adds: “Despite this unfortunate incident, we want to assure our valued members, patrons, and the sailing community that the main marina facilities, including diesel, water, electricity, and dockage, remain fully operational. We are committed to providing uninterrupted services to our visitors and guests.

“A new location for our office has already been set in motion to ensure seamless communication and assistance for all our customers.”

Images courtesy of Cloggy’s .

• Marine fire news ,

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Friday, October 6th, 2023

3 responses to “Fire destroys buildings at historic yacht club”

Hi all its the commercial building which is part of the Antigua Yacht Club MARINA not the club that was destroted . We have temporarily lost some iconic watering holes in Cloggies , Seabreeze and Skullduggeries and some excellent local business but the Yacht Club and surrounding buildings and restaurants were untouched

Dosent’ t look at all, even in part, like the old yacht club.

You’re right – it’s because it’s not! The old yacht club has survived as it’s set well apart from this burnt new(er) building. As Peter Anthony above says, it’s the commercial building which is part of the Yacht Club Marina which has been destroyed. The original white wooden building which has always been Antigua Yacht Club (not Yacht Club Marina), is still standing So sorry for everyone who had businesses in the new building – really traumatizing and the loss of their income just before the season picks up. Joyce’s supermarket alone provided employment for many. A sad time.

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Group 1    Group 2     Group 3

Temporary structure to replace fire-ravaged AYC Marina complex.

​Following the fire incident that ravaged the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) Marina complex at Falmouth Harbour on 3rd October, the Managing Director, Shaun Falcone, has confirmed that a temporary structure will be put in place by January 2024.

Cleaning of the premises began on Friday with the aim of completing it by the middle to end of next week before starting the demolition process.

Falcone stated that the owners have plans to rebuild a permanent structure in the future, but it will take at least two and a half to three years for the new structure to be operational.

The fire destroyed two of the marina’s offices and eight other businesses, including Skullduggery’s Cafe, the Antigua Yacht Club Gym, Turtles Surf, Axxess Marine, the Sea Breeze Café, Dockside Liquors and Supermarket, Cloggy’s restaurant, and BWA Yachting Ltd.

Falcone also shared the findings of their internal investigations into the fire, stating that the switchbox for their internet and camera lines, which was about 150 feet away from the main office, had melted, and the box itself was burnt, indicating a major power surge.

Formal investigations into the circumstances leading to the fire are still ongoing by the fire department.

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled plans for extensive road improvements...

Antigua fire leaves 100 jobless

A fire at the Antigua Yacht Club has resulted in the loss of several businesses and left more than 100 people jobless.

In a Facebook post, Antigua prime minister Gaston Browne said the Yacht Club Marina was “...completely gutted by fire. Several businesses were destroyed resulting in at least 100 job losses. Sad! Notwithstanding, we give thanks and soldier on; while assisting the business and property owners to rebuild."

The fire occurred during the passage of strong winds and rains associated with the passage of Topical Storm Philippe on Tuesday, according to CANA News Network.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority yachting and sailing business development manager Devin Joseph told SuperyachtNews: “First and foremost, the most important thing is that everyone is safe. No one has been hurt or injured. "The commercial building, however, has been fully destroyed, which housed the dock master's office, Cloggy’s Restaurant, Turtle Surf Shop, Skulduggery Bar and Café, Ari Fish Shop, Dockside Supermarket, Marina Gym, and Seabreeze Bar and Café.”

Browne said  the Yacht Club Marina was the place where the Alfa Nero was docked.

CANA said the 81.3-metre Alfa Nero, which was declared abandoned by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, was sold at auction on June 16 for US$67,000,677, but has been wrapped up in litigation ever since.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, to whom the yacht had been solid, is reported to have backed out of the deal amid “legal wrangling.”

SuperYachtNews said government authorities had said a central reason for seizing and trying to sell Alfa Nero was that if it sank during a tropical storm or hurricane, it would block the waterways and cause an ecological disaster. The yacht was moved on Monday, before the storm.

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Published on October 4th, 2023 | by Editor

Tragedy for Antigua community

Published on October 4th, 2023 by Editor -->

A fire on October 2 swept has swept through the Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort in English Harbour on the southeastern coast of Antigua, destroying the facility along with several neighboring business including Skull Duggery café, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office, and Dockside Liquor. The damage has left more than 100 people are reportedly unemployed.

The Antigua Yacht Club is described as one of the best-known Yacht Clubs in the Caribbean and hosts some of the most prestigious sailing events in the Caribbean, namely the RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and Antigua Sailing Week.

In 2015, it hosted the Optimist North American Championship for the first time and the club was again invited to host the event in 2016, and in 2019, it hosted the Optimist World Championship.

Commodore of Antigua Yacht Club, Franklyn Braithwaite, confirmed the club buildings were unaffected by the fire, and the schedule for the Caribbean 600 is unaffected by this terrible fire.

In combating the blaze, firefighters were hampered by the strong winds and rains associated with the passage of Topical Storm Philippe. It is believed the fire was started by lightning during the storm.

Shaun Falcone, on behalf of the Falcone Family that owns the facility, provides this statement:

Antigua Yacht Club Marina is deeply devastated by the fires, particularly affecting the facilities and services within our main complex. Our thoughts are with the affected business owners and their employees during this difficult time.

Despite this unfortunate incident, we want to assure our valued members, patrons, and the sailing community that the main marina facilities, including diesel, water, electricity, and dockage, remain fully operational. We are committed to providing uninterrupted services to our visitors and guests.

A new location for our office has already been set in motion to ensure seamless communication and assistance for all our customers.

We are grateful for the overwhelming support and concern expressed by our community, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out to us during this challenging time. Your support is invaluable, and we are determined to make the upcoming season a great one, albeit with some adjustments.

Antigua Yacht Club Marina remains resilient and determined to continue serving the sailing and yachting community with the same dedication and excellence. We look forward to welcoming you back and appreciate your continued trust in us.

Tags: Antigua , Antigua Yacht Club , Carlo Falcone

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Antigua: Major fire at English Harbour, flooding from Philippe

English Harbour fire ( Photo via: National Office of Disaster Service)

There is sadness in Antigua and Barbuda this morning as a fire affected the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour as well as several businesses at Falmouth Harbour even as the island faced heavy rains, lightning and widespread flooding from Tropical Storm Philippe.

State media ABS television/radio reported that a fire affected Skull Duggery café, Yacht Club Marina Gym, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office and Dockside Liquor.

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne commented on the situation online:  “Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on.”

The luxury yacht Alfa Nero was moved on Monday before the storm.

The prime minister noted the Yacht Club Marina where the Alfa Nero was docked, was completely gutted by fire. He said several businesses were destroyed resulting in at least 100 job losses.

Meanwhile in a situation on Tropical Storm Philippe, the National Office of Disaster Service (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda says there have been over 30 requests for search and rescue following widespread flooding throughout the island as a result of conditions associated with Tropical Storm Philippe.

Emergency 911 reported to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) that some residents who were stranded in their vehicles in Bathlodge and on the Airport Road had to be rescued. Many of these individuals were travelling late on the roadways.

There were also individuals whose homes were flooded in areas such as Piggotts. Cassada Gardens and the vicinity of the Potworks Dam who received assistance from emergency personnel.

There was one report that a bus got stuck in flood waters in the Golden Grove extension area.

District Disaster Coordinators who volunteer on behalf of NODS in various communities have reported flooding in quite a number of other areas like Upper Fort Road, Grays Farm/Green Bay and other communities. A few people are also being accommodated in shelters in several districts.

NODS says in addition to the flooding and rescue efforts, firefighters continue to suppress a major fire that is now taking place at the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour. According to reports, wind gusts are a challenge in getting the blaze extinguished.

Meanwhile, emergency personnel have noted a high number of persons driving on the roads and are appealing to individuals to remain indoors until given the all-clear by the authorities to go outside.

It noted that with the flood waters and debris that would be on the roadways at this time, individuals run the risk of putting themselves in danger and should take the necessary precautions to remain safe.  (Loop News)

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Strange Glow Over Moscow Skies Triggers Panic as Explosions Reported

B right flashes lit up the night sky in southern Moscow in the early hours of Thursday morning, new footage appears to show, following reports of an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of the city.

Video snippets circulating on Russian-language Telegram channels show a series of flashes on the horizon of a cloudy night sky, momentarily turning the sky a number of different colors. In a clip shared by Russian outlet MSK1.ru, smoke can be seen rising from a building during the flashes lighting up the scene.

Newsweek was unable to independently verify the details of the video clips, including when and where it was filmed. The Russian Ministry of Emergency situations has been contacted via email.

Several Russian Telegram accounts said early on Thursday that residents of southern Moscow reported an explosion and a fire breaking out at an electrical substation in the Leninsky district, southeast of central Moscow.

Local authorities in the Leninsky district told Russian outlet RBC that the explosion had happened in the village of Molokovo. "All vital facilities are operating as normal," Leninsky district officials told the outlet.

The incident at the substation in Molokovo took place just before 2 a.m. local time, MSK1.ru reported.

Messages published by the ASTRA Telegram account, run by independent Russian journalists, appear to show residents close to the substation panicking as they question the bright flashes in the sky. One local resident describes seeing the bright light before losing access to electricity, with another calling the incident a "nightmare."

More than 10 villages and towns in the southeast of Moscow lost access to electricity, the ASTRA Telegram account also reported. The town of Lytkarino to the southeast of Moscow, lost electricity, wrote the eastern European-based independent outlet, Meduza.

Outages were reported in the southern Domodedovo area of the city, according to another Russian outlet, as well as power failures in western Moscow. Electricity was then restored to the areas, the Strana.ua outlet reported.

The cause of the reported explosion is not known. A Telegram account aggregating news for the Lytkarino area described the incident as "an ordinary accident at a substation."

The MSK1.ru outlet quoted a local resident who speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but no other Russian source reported this as a possible cause.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Moscow with long-range aerial drones in recent months, including a dramatic wave of strikes in late May.

On Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the region's air defense systems had intercepted an aerial drone over the city of Elektrostal, to the east of Moscow. No damage or casualties were reported, he said.

The previous day, Russian air defenses detected and shot down another drone flying over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow, Sobyanin said.

There is currently no evidence that an aerial drone was responsible for the reported overnight explosion at the electrical substation in southern Moscow.

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