Dominica became a leader in Caribbean beekeeping by winning 16 awards at the Hewanorra National Honey Show in St. Lucia. The event followed the conclusion of the 12th Caribbean Beekeepers Congress, a key platform for regional collaboration and innovation in apiculture.
The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. spearheaded Dominica’s participation, showcasing the island’s expertise across various categories. Dominica claimed five gold, four silver, and six bronze medals, surpassing other competing nations. Notably, Nathaniel Lovell, Vice President of Bee Api/La Vie Miel, won the prestigious UK National Honey Show Blue Ribbon Award for the best exhibit. Lovell’s contributions highlighted the exceptional quality of Dominica’s honey and value-added products.
First-Place Awards:
- Medium Amber Extracted Honey – 1st Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
- CARICOM Honey – 1st Place (Nathaniel Lovell) – Best Honey in CARICOM
- Mead – 1st Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
- Best in Show OECS – Nathaniel Lovell
- Art (Adult) – 1st Prize (Carol Sorhaindo)
In addition to these top prizes, Dominica excelled across various other categories, demonstrating the wide-ranging skills and creativity of its apiculture community. The complete list of additional awards is as follows:
Additional Awards:
- Photography – 2nd Prize (Vernella Orlé)
- Photography – 3rd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)
- Best Commercial Product (Value Added Product) – 2nd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)
- Beeswax Candles – 2nd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)
- Inclusions with Chocolate – 2nd Prize (Alan Napier)
- Light Amber Extracted Honey – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
- Dark Amber Extracted Honey – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
- Beeswax Block – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
- Chocolate Bar (Dark) – 3rd Prize (Alan Napier)
- Chocolate Bar (Milk) – 3rd Prize (Alan Napier)
This impressive performance at the honey show reflects Dominica’s beekeeping community’s hard work and dedication. With its continued excellence, Dominica’s Apiculture and Beekeeping sector is poised for even more significant achievements, solidifying its reputation within the region and beyond.
“Dominica’s success reflects the dedication of its apiculture community,” Lovell stated. “These awards demonstrate the potential of Dominica’s Apiculture and Beekeeping to compete and excel globally.”
The honey show drew participants from across the Caribbean, including Antigua, Trinidad, Guyana, and Jamaica. It showcased the region’s finest honey, beeswax, and innovative products and fostered valuable business opportunities.
Dominica’s stellar performance has reinforced its dominance in the Caribbean apiculture sector, underscoring its commitment to producing world-class honey products. The island’s achievements at the show exemplify the resilience and creativity of its beekeepers.
The Hewanorra National Honey Show continues to be a prestigious event, celebrating the rich tradition of beekeeping in the region while encouraging sustainable practices and innovation in apiculture. Dominica’s participation highlights its vital role in promoting excellence within the Caribbean’s beekeeping industry.
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