Implementing Innovative Strategies towards improving the Honeybee Population and Health Status to Control the Varroa Mite for Sustainable Beekeeping in Antigua and Barbuda by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

This project commenced 2023 on Antigua and Barbuda and has several different components with activities such as the planting of Bee-friendly trees, Queen bees breeding, bees and hives inspections.

The project was financed by the Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme (“GEF SGP”), implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and under the supervision of Mr. Brent Georges/Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

As recent as 6th to 16th Mr. John Frederick, a Queen Bee breeder and consultant from St. Lucia visited the twin-island working in the fields with the beekeepers observing and sharing valuable tips pertaining to apiary management, early detection of the Varroa mite, mitigation and eradication.

The Varroa mite is a parasitic pest that attacks honeybees, severely threatening to the colonies and the beekeeping industry. It is considered one of the most dangerous enemies of the honeybees in the world.

The Varroa mite infestation can eradicate a hive or colony within 3-4 years therefore with proper management, early detection and control this could be prevented.

The Antigua Beekeepers Cooperative in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is working earnestly to improve the honeybee population and health status while controlling the mite situation on Antigua for a sustainable Apiary industry.

The last engagement before his departure Mr. Frederick held a discussion on Monday 15th February with beekeepers and interested/potential beekeepers.

The session was very interactive so much so that a meeting schedule for an hour and half went on for almost an hour more. One can say that it was indeed a buzzing session.