Dominica sweeps the Hewanorra National Honey Show

Dominica did remarkably well at the esteemed Hewanorra National Honey Show in St. Lucia, which followed the 12th Caribbean Beekeepers Congress. This four-day event served as a highly anticipated gathering for beekeepers from throughout the Caribbean, providing them with an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. The Hewanorra National Honey Show functions not only as an educational venue but also as a competitive platform, where nations in the Caribbean vie for accolades across various categories, highlighting the best honey, beeswax products, and other value-added offerings.

This year, Dominica’s representatives distinguished themselves by securing a total of sixteen awards across a variety of categories, further cementing the island’s renown for producing high-quality apicultural products. Participating in numerous categories, Dominica’s achievements underscore the island’s broad-ranging skills and expertise in beekeeping.

Beekeepers from numerous Caribbean nations, such as Antigua, Barbuda, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Barbados, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines were also present at the show.

Notably, Nathaniel Lovell received the prestigious UK National Honey Show Blue Ribbon Award for having the best exhibit in the entire competition, enhancing Dominica’s standing after previously winning first place in the UK National Honey Show’s International Category for 2 matching jars. This recognition across various domains—honey, beeswax products, photography, art, and chocolate—illustrates the expertise of Dominica’s participants and their dedication to excellence in beekeeping and product innovation.

Dominica’s success was marked by several first-place honors, including:

– Medium Amber Extracted Honey – 1st Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)
– CARICOM Honey – 1st place (Nathaniel Lovell) – Awarded for 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 leading awards, Dominica earned recognition in various other categories, highlighting the island’s impressive range of talents. The additional awards included:

– Photography – 2nd Prize (Vernella Orlé)
– Photography – 3rd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)
– Best Commercial Product (Value Added) – 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)

Competitions for honey cocktails, honey cakes, best commercial honey product, and junior art were also conducted. After winning six awards in the previous year’s Hewanorra Honey Show, Dominica’s recent achievement of sixteen awards—more than any other nation—signals the island’s ongoing growth and success in the beekeeping industry.