Anguilla’s power network has been fully restored more than three months after Hurricane Irma struck the small British Overseas Island Territory.
The Anguilla Tourist Board confirmed that the island’s power company, has this week flipped the final switch to restore 100% power to the island’s network.
Anguilla, in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, took the full force of the category five winds in September.
However, the tourism board announced that the Island was open to visitors just six weeks after the storm hit, ahead of the Christmas season.
More than 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.
Quintessence, a new luxury boutique hotel located on Long Bay, is set to open on January 1 whilst the Belmond Cap Juluca and CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa will both open later in the year following a full refurbishment.
Other new developments in 2018 will include the completion of the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal and the runway extension at Clayton J.Lloyd international airport.
Most of the Island’s five star resorts are set to reopen in early 2018, including Zemi Beach in February and Four Seasons in April.
Trans Anguilla Airways is to start a scheduled service between Anguilla and Antigua four days a week from January 15.
A number of the Island’s activities and attractions have also opened including, most recently, Mermaid School, Anguilla Watersports, Scuba Diving and CusinArt Golf Club.
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’.
Tourism board UK, Ireland and Scandinavia director Carolyn Brown 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.”