By Algernon Watts
I’ll admit, growing up, I only thought of bees as creatures to avoid, a lesson reinforced by a few childhood stings. But as my love for farming grows, I’ve realized that these little creatures are essential partners in agriculture. Bees don’t just make honey; they’re responsible for pollinating a wide range of crops that sustain our community. From tomatoes to mangoes and pumpkins, much of the fresh, vibrant produce in Antigua depends on bee pollination. Without their constant efforts, farms across Antigua would see lower yields, impacting the abundance and variety of local crops. In fact, studies show that the pollination activities of bees directly contribute to about one-third of the food we eat globally. The nutritious, affordable produce we rely on every day is made possible by their tiny yet mighty efforts.
In recent years, the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative (ABBC) has been invaluable in raising awareness about the role of bees. Established in 1993, the cooperative has guided local beekeepers on sustainable hive management, advocated for bee-friendly practices, and highlighted the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. The ABBC recently took a big step forward by securing collective trademarks for unique local honey varieties, such as Barbuda Logwood Honey and Antigua Wildflower Honey. This milestone not only preserves the distinct quality of these products but also opens doors for broader recognition and economic opportunities for local beekeepers. It also promotes a sense of pride and ownership in our community, encouraging us all to value and protect our bees.
However, despite the cooperative’s efforts, beekeepers in Antigua face significant challenges that require more comprehensive government support. Land clearing for development has reduced the availability of flowering plants like logwood trees, which bees rely on as essential food sources. Bees need diverse, consistent floral resources to maintain healthy colonies and to continue their vital pollination services. Without these natural resources, bees are forced to travel further and work harder, weakening colonies and reducing their effectiveness in pollinating crops. Fogging to control mosquito populations poses another significant threat. While fogging is an important public health measure to reduce mosquito-borne diseases, the chemicals used can also kill bees and other pollinators. Bees are highly sensitive to pesticides, and when exposed to fogging, they can experience fatal effects. This unintended consequence means beekeepers often see losses in their hives following fogging campaigns.
To balance the need for mosquito control with the protection of bees, coordinated efforts between public health authorities and the beekeeping community are essential. Implementing measures such as notifying beekeepers in advance of fogging or using bee-safe insecticides where possible could help minimize harm to bee populations.
The government’s role is crucial here; by establishing protected zones for bee habitats and regulating land development near vital foraging areas, they could help preserve these resources for both the bees and the farmers who depend on them.
Other Caribbean countries, like Jamaica, have demonstrated how government support can make a meaningful difference for beekeeping. In Jamaica, designated bee-friendly zones provide safe foraging areas, boosting local agriculture and supporting a healthier ecosystem.
Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados have implemented targeted initiatives to protect their bee populations, recognizing their essential role in agriculture and environmental health. Trinidad and Tobago’s Beekeeping and Bee Products Act establishes a regulatory framework for the industry, while the BES-Net TT Project, in partnership with the UNDP, focuses on conserving native pollinators through public awareness and hive management training. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture provides bee abatement services to safely manage Africanized bee populations.
In Barbados, the National Apiculture Project, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, offers beekeeping forums and workshops, while the National Conservation Commission’s apiary lab monitors bee health and disease. The NCC also provides training programs that promote sustainable beekeeping practices. Together, these initiatives showcase the proactive steps Caribbean nations are taking to protect pollinators and strengthen agricultural productivity.
However, making beekeeping more accessible and sustainable across the region requires more targeted government support, such as subsidies or duty-free concessions on essential equipment. The high costs of necessities like protective suits, hive boxes, and extractors can quickly add up to tens of thousands, creating financial barriers that prevent many from starting or maintaining a beekeeping business. Compounding this issue, the rise in hive theft is a growing concern, further discouraging investment in the industry.
By addressing these financial and security challenges, government initiatives could encourage more people to engage in beekeeping, growing an industry that strengthens Antigua’s agricultural economy and enhances food security. When a bee enters a flower, it’s gathering food for itself, but it’s also ensuring a plentiful harvest for farmers. Studies show that pollination from bees boosts crop yields, improves food quality, and strengthens crop resilience, making the simple act of a bee’s flight invaluable to agriculture.
Another simple way to support Antigua’s bees and beekeepers is by buying local honey. When you choose honey from local beekeepers, like those in the ABBC, you’re not only getting a fresh, unique product but also contributing directly to the local economy. This honey is crafted from the island’s distinct plants, giving it flavors and qualities you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, supporting local honey helps reduce demand for imported honey, which often undergoes processing that strips away nutrients and sometimes includes additives.
So, the next time you spot a bee, give it a respectful nod – maybe a thumbs-up – for all the heavy lifting it does to keep our world buzzing. Better yet, plant a few flowers, and I am sure these little overachievers, “the little engines that could,” will repay you bountifully with a nutritious, delicious harvest. Just remember, get too close, and you might get a gentle reminder to respect their space with a sharp little “mind your business” memo from nature’s tiniest bodyguards.
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