**1. The Importance of Beekeeping:**
* **Economic Contribution:** The Acting Chief Agriculture Officer underscored the economic significance of beekeeping in Barbados. He likely highlighted the income generated from honey production, the potential for beekeeping to create jobs, and the contribution of bee products to local industries.
The donation was made to a local community center in need of resources to support its youth. The center provides a variety of programs, including after-school care, summer camps, and vocational training. The center’s mission is to empower young people to achieve their full potential. The donation was made by a local business owner, who wanted to give back to the community.
Mr. James also highlighted the importance of pest control, forage management, and strategies to mitigate stress on hives, which can affect the bees’ food stores, including the honey sought for commercial use. The acting Chief Agriculture Officer noted that honey, especially when harvested from wild hives, needs to meet certain safety standards. He said the Ministry is working towards establishing a central location where honey could be extracted and tested, ensuring it is safe for consumption. “We want to produce not just local honey but local, high-quality honey,” he stressed. Meanwhile, Senior Agriculture Assistant, Bernard Thompson, announced that the Ministry had made strides in encouraging more women and young people to enter the apiculture industry.
“This is a significant achievement, especially considering the importance of beekeeping in our community.”
This statement highlights the success of a beekeeping training program. The program has trained 21 individuals, with 16 actively managing hives. This success is significant because it demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful beekeepers.
This programme aims to strengthen the Caribbean’s ability to respond to climate change and other disasters. The equipment and supplies were distributed to various organizations and institutions in the Caribbean, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). These organizations play crucial roles in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
