THESE
FIELDS AND HILLS
by SHERIA BRATHWAITE
THE BEE POPULATION is rapidly declining and the Ministry of Agriculture is trying to save apiculture.
A small apiary that houses eight Italian bee hives is being developed at the ministry’s Graeme Hall, Christ Church headquarters.
The main reasons for the decline are the use of insecticides, habitat destruction and a lack of forage.
During a recent beekeeping workshop, Chief Agricultural Officer Lennox Chandler said the bee unit had been dormant for several years and when he took up the post in 2016, it was his goal to revive it.
Beekeeper
“We reinstated the post of beekeeper and set up a small apiary from supplies bought in the [United] States. I wanted to pursue this venture to push honey and its by-products more in Barbados,” he said.
“Also, there was a level of embarrassment when the public called us about bees and we had no one to respond to assist with any challenges.”
Chandler said the project was endorsed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who ensured a substantial amount of money was provided to the ministry to get it under way.
He said the unit comprised two staffers, who were responsible for going into each community, encouraging people to get involved in apiculture, and assessing any challenges they might encounter with the insects.
Chandler, who also gave an address on behalf of Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir, said the ministry was focused on intensifying its efforts in five major areas, including the development of a national apiculture industry.
He said honey was a natural
Continued on next page.
THE SMALL APIARY which the Ministry of Agriculture is developing at its Graeme Hall headquarters.
(Pictures by Lennox Devonish.)
