People who lost everything in Hurricane Irma in Barbuda are now gearing up for another fight, attempting to block a governmental reform that they say will force them off their land just as they prepare to rebuild their lives.

John Mussington's home, and his school, were left with significant damage when Hurricane Irma hit. Buildings were flattened, trees uprooted, and the lush tropical landscape turned into a barren wasteland.

Yet Mr Mussington, the principal of the only secondary establishment on the island, was philosophical. The 1,800 residents of Barbuda had been evacuated to neighbouring Antigua, and after the September 6 storm he expected at the time to simply return and rebuild.

Now, however, three months later, his situation has taken a dramatic turn for the worse - and he is fighting not to lose the very island itself.

“Our worst fears have been realised,” he told The Telegraph. “The powers that be want us off our land.”

Mr Mussington, 56, is ready for a fight.

On December 20 he and his fellow islanders went to the high court of Antigua and Barbuda to attempt to see off the reform.

They have enlisted the help of Leslie Thomas QC, the London-based barrister who represented 11 of the 96 families of Hillsborough Stadium victims, as well as the family of Mark Duggan.