Following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on July 20, 2024, The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. has announced the election of its new board of directors. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, as well as local beekeepers and stakeholders were present at the meeting, highlighting the current momentum of apiculture in the country.
Mr. Ryan Anselm, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture, announced government plans to allocate lands to beekeepers for the establishment of individual apiaries. The goal is to increase each apiary to 100 hives. Additionally, Anselm underscored Agriculture Minister Roland Royer’s support for the sector, pledging resources and plans to collaborate to improve beekeeping methods and promote sustainable agriculture.
On July 22, 2024, the board convened for its first meeting with key leadership positions determined among its nine elected directors.
The newly elected Board of Directors and their respective positions are as follows:
• President: Mr. Kevin James;
• Vice President: Mr. Nathaniel Lowel;
• Public Relations Officer (PRO): Ms. Vernella Orlé;
• Treasurer: Mr. Leroy Cyprien;
• Secretary: Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul;
• Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Cyril Robinson;
• Members: Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, Mr. Berlvin Gardier.
A statement released by the cooperative expressed gratitude for the dedicated efforts of outgoing board members and welcomed future endeavours with the newly-appointed executive.
Addressing the strengths of each individual, the organization’s statement delineated their special skills and accomplishments:
Mr. Kevin James, elected as President, brings a wealth of experience and a bold vision to the helm of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. His dedication to promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and enhancing the role of beekeepers in agricultural ecosystems is evident. Under his leadership, the cooperative will continue to develop plans for the inaugural ‘Honey in the Town’ initiative. This event will aim to not only increase awareness on apiculture but also educate the public on the crucial role bees play in our environment.
Mr. Nathaniel Lowel, assuming the role of Vice President, as a seasoned beekeeper himself brings strategic acumen and a passion for environmental conservation to the board.
Ms. Vernella Orlé, elected as the Public Relations Officer, will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and public engagement of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. Her knowledge in communication and community outreach will ensure advocacy for apiculture.
Mr. Leroy Cyprien, elected as Treasurer, brings a robust financial background and his meticulous approach and dedication will support the operational efficiency and long-term sustainability of the cooperative.
Ms. Alfreda Joan Paul, serving as Secretary, will manage administrative duties and ensure smooth coordination within the board.
Mr. Cyril Robinson, assuming the role of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, will support Ms. Paul in administrative tasks while assisting Mr. Cyprien in financial management responsibilities.
The newly elected Members, Mr. Shem Jacob, Ms. Sammantha Francis, and Mr. Berlvin Gardier, bring diverse perspectives and valuable expertise to the board.
Their collective experience in beekeeping and agriculture, will enrich discussions and decision-making processes within the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd.
Meanwhile, President Kevin James said he is confident in the ability of the new executive to grow the cooperative and beekeeping in general.
“I am honored to lead this esteemed group of individuals who share a deep commitment to the well-being of bees and the advancement of our cooperative, together with this new Board of Directors, I am confident we will achieve significant milestones in promoting beekeeping awareness and expanding our membership base,” he stated.
Good Morning, Ahh…the nectar of the Gods! Raw, unfiltered honey is a complete food that with water can sustain life. I applaud Agriculture for supporting beekeeping. 2/3’s of the world’s bees have abandoned their hives. Known as ‘the honeybee colony collapse’. Honeybees have the most miraculous GPS of any creature. You could have dozens of bee boxes lined up in a row and they will return to their entrance. Honeybees can forage up to six miles. Because of all the petroleum based fertilizers, Chemlawn, rose spray, Roundup, Gramazone (sp?), the bee’s neurological system is being damaged. They are no longer able to find their way home! “If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years left to live”.- Albert Einstein.