‘Tis the season to be jolly and no more so than on the small British Overseas Island Territory of Anguilla where Christmas may not be white, but it will certainly be bright.
The island is celebrating following this week’s announcement that the power network has been fully restored, post Hurricane Irma.
The Anguilla Tourist Board confirms that ANGLEC, the island’s power company, has this week flipped the final switch in Anguilla’s West End, restoring 100 per cent power to the network, three and a half months after Hurricane Irma hit on September 6th.
Anguilla, located in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, took the full force of the category five winds, but has since made a remarkable and robust recovery.
Just six weeks after the storm hit, the Anguilla Tourism Board announced that the Island was open to visitors, ahead of the Christmas season.
Carolyn Brown, director for the UK, Ireland & Scandinavia for the Anguilla Tourism Board, said: “It has been a challenging year for the people of Anguilla, but their strength and resilience has ensured that the island, known for its pristine white sandy beaches, is ready to give guests a warm welcome this Christmas.
“The restoration of power to homes and business across the island is the Christmas dream we were all hoping for and we’re delighted it has come true.”
Over 30 small hotels and villas such as Carimar Beach Club, La Vue, Frangipani Beach Resort and Shoal Bay Villas have already re-opened to guests for the Christmas season.
Some of Anguilla’s restaurants opened the day after Hurricane Irma, such as Roy’s Bayside Bar & Grill, with the latest openings including Breezes at The Reef and Julian’s, a new French bistro at Quintessence Hotel.
Other Island favourites already re-opened include Veya, Johnno’s, Tasty’s, Picante, and Elvis’.
The good news is set to continue in the New Year following the announcement that Trans Anguilla Airways will operate a new scheduled service between Anguilla and Antigua four days per week, commencing January 15th.
For those planning a trip, the latest post-Irma news and information can be found on Anguilla Tourism Board’s official website.