Wales closure fallout
Almost two months after the end of sugar operations at the Wales Estate, on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), members in the community and surrounding villages continue to face the far-reaching impacts from the closure. Among those affected include sugar workers, their families, and the local economies of several lower WBD communities, including Patentia, Vriesland, Wales, Good Intent, Sisters’ and
![Hindu priest Surendra Tiwari](http://guyanatimesgy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Pandit-Surendra-169x300.jpg)
Bellevue.
Patentia-based Hindu priest, Surendra Tiwari, who has been in practice for the last eight years, has described the future outlook for the surrounding communities as “grim”. In a recent interview with this publication, the Pandit highlighted the numerous challenges villagers and the business community have encountered as sugar processing halted on December 31, last year. Hundreds of sugar workers were forced to seek alternative forms of employment to sustain their livelihood.
Focusing on his own plight, the priest indicated that the business he operates also suffered loses as persons are spending less. Tiwari indicated that he sent out applications to two companies in an effort to garner additional employment. Up to now, the Pandit is still awaiting a response. Moreover, it was suggested that the Hindu practice is under threat as many believers have cut back on the number of “Puja” observances they would usually host.
“Many Pandits around the country have said the closure of the estate and the
![The Wales Sugar Estate finalised the closure of sugar operations on December 31, 2016](http://guyanatimesgy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Wales-Estate-300x227.jpg)