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In late 1970s and early 1980s, the U.S. Peace Corps funded two beekeeping advisors to teach beekeeping skills in Montserrat, and their activities were so popular that eventually a thriving beekeeping association was born
In late 1970s and early 1980s, the U.S. Peace Corps funded two beekeeping advisors to teach beekeeping skills in Montserrat, and their activities were so popular that eventually a thriving beekeeping association was born
Resuscitation of Beekeeping in Montserrat
Dr Bridget Beattie
In late 1970s and early 1980s, the U.S. Peace Corps funded two beekeeping advisors to teach beekeeping skills in Montserrat, and their activities were so popular that eventually a thriving beekeeping association was born, and at least one beekeeper was able to make a living from marketing honey.
Unfortunately, the traumas of hurricane Hugo and the devastating effects of the current volcanic activity have meant that beekeeping has almost disappeared from Montserrat, with one beekeeper having less than ten colonies.
Bees at work
The current project aims to help the existing beekeeper to increase the number of his hives, and to introduce new beekeepers to the craft. It is an ideal activity for sustainable development. There is ample forage for bees in the forests and the local market for honey in the region is far from saturated. People who have lost their land will be able to keep bees as a backyard activity. Equipment can be made locally, extending opportunities to woodworkers, textile craftspeople and metal workers.
At present, stocks of bees are being increased. In October, courses to teach beekeeping will commence, including bee husbandry, honey extraction and packaging, equipment maintenance and the production of other hive products such as beeswax, propolis and royal jelly. After training, as colonies become available, students will be able to purchase a starter colony. Training on making increase, queen rearing and more advanced aspects of beekeeping will continue. It is hoped that at least two Montserratian beekeepers will be trained eventually as trainers themselves.
Montserrat is in a particularly favourable position for beekeeping at this time as the island is free from a world-wide pest of honeybees, the Varroa mite, and as such may well find a market for queens and nucleus colonies.
Initially the Oriole Complex of the Montserrat National Trust will house some equipment, including a microscope for the identification of bee diseases, and there will be at least one colony on site for demonstration and teaching as required.
The importance of pollinators to the flora of Montserrat cannot be overstressed, and the increase of numbers of Apis mellifera will hopefully alleviate any loss of other insects in the volcanic activity.