THE full human cost of the Barclay brothers’ decision to close its Sark business became apparent over the weekend.

Confusion, betrayal and anger were among the emotions expressed as shops, restaurants and hotels forced to close with immediate effect were left deserted and boarded up. However, some islanders have blamed a group of stuck-in-the-mud traditionalists who have rejected the brothers’ reforming ideas for the island’s current position.

In a show of solidarity, Sarkees have said that they will weather the storm as a community and have so far refused offers of help from other Channel Islands. There was some immediate help on the table today, though, following the announcement that £50,000 had been given by an anonymous donor.

Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay shut their businesses last week and withdrew investment from Sark after the island’s first full elections marking the end of 450 years of feudal rule did not go their way. Islanders rejected candidates who favoured their modernising reform agenda. In response, the brothers, who invest around £5 million a year in Sark, shut the many businesses they own, leaving more than 100 people, or a quarter of the island’s workforce, out of a job in the run-up to Christmas.