Businesses no longer ‘sweet’ for Lionel Town

Business owners and operators in the bustling community of Lionel Town, Clarendon, are citing losses owing to the closure of the Monymusk Sugar Factory.

Many residents and business operators say that the closure has negatively impacted livelihood and commercialism in the area.

Everton Cunningham, owner of Vere Pharmacy in Lionel Town, said that his business has recorded a 15 to 20 per cent decline in sales since the closure of the sugar factory.

Significant part

Cunningham said: "A lot of the workers had health insurance which is a significant part of our business."

He said that his pharmacy also had "direct business" with the sugar factory as he would provide Monymusk with medical supplies which the factory kept for minor injuries or illnesses of staff.

A medical doctor who operates in the area said the closure has also had an impact on his operations.

Speaking with CENTRAL STAR, he said, "Monymusk people are health insured people, once they are out of the job, they don't have insurance."

He added that the closure also plays a part in the overcrowding of the hospital as individuals have resorted to seeking medical care in public health facilities.

Jeniffer Brown, who owns a stall in the busy town said: "Not a thing nah gwaan, reopen the factory, yes."

Brown said that since factory workers were made redundant, she has since resorted to selling just water and juices.

"Me use to sell haberdashery things, curtain rods and so. Since the factory close, me have them fi months, me haffi just give them weh," she said.

- O.B.