Belles Ruches Apiary

19/04/2024

Is this a glimpse into the future of Caribbean Beekeeping. Very Sad!!

This is a brief review of the proposed amendments to the Beekeeping and Bee Products Act (1935). This review will summarize how the amendments will impact th...

16/07/2023

At Coulibistrie — One of reasons for slow development of the apiculture sector in the Caribbean has been the limited knowledge sharing opportunities for beekeepers. One of the key outputs of the GEF Small Grants Programme- Saint Lucia South / South Apiculture and Biodiversity project is the exchange of knowledge. Through this project the Iyanola Apiculture Collective has been at the forefront of skills development across the Southern Caribbean. IAC VP John Frederick in the community of Coulibistrie, Dominica conducting a queen rearing workshop with graduates of the GEF SGP / IAC Online Beekeeping Program.
IAC more than just honey 🍯 SGP

20/01/2023

We are here in Guyana 🇬🇾, putting in some work with our brothers from Kingdom Apiaries. IAC more than just honey 🍯!!! 🇱🇨

13/12/2022

Congratulations 🎉 to Mr. Maxim Theodile, for accomplishing the double. “Best in show” and “Most points in show”. The Soufriere beekeepers cleaned up this year. Great job gentleman 👍🏾🏆🐝🍯

30/11/2022

circa. 1622 - Image: First recorded shipment of honeybees to Virginia, America were brought in a vessel similar to this 17th century English merchantman ship.
Via: Historical Honeybee Articles - Beekeeping History

Several skeps of bees were sent by the Virginia Company in London to the settlement in Virginia in December 1621. The image depicts a 17th century English merchantman ship of about 400 tons, similar what the Bona Nova and Hopewell would have looked like. One of these ships were believed to have brought the first honeybees to Virginia, America. Honeybee colonies at this time of the year would be dormant, increasing the chances of colony survival during the trip. The skeps of bees were either packed in crates or hogsheads (barrels) and stored below deck for shipment, where they would have stayed cool and in a dormant state throughout the trip..

Records from the Virginia Company in London indicate when bees were shipped to Virginia, America.

The following is a quote from:
Eva Crane, World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg. 359

“On 5 December 1621, the Council of the Virginia Company in London wrote to the Governor and Council in Virginia: ‘We have by this ship (from the context, either the Bona Nova or the Hopewell) and the Discovery sent you divers sorte of seed, and fruit trees, as also Pidgeons, connies (rabbits). Peacock maistives (mastiffs), and Beehives, as you shall by the Invoice perceive; the preservation and increase whereof we recommend unto you.’

At this period the voyage could take 6-8 weeks. The arrival of the hives, presumably early in 1622, is not recorded, but we have no reason to believe that they did not reach Virginia safely, because by May 1622 the Discovery, the Bona Nova and the Hopewell had delivered 20, 50 and 20 settlers.”

Source:
Eva Crane, World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg. 359

Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Fathers

29/11/2022

Last chance for a prep talk, before the honey 🍯 show!

15/11/2022

06/11/2022

Test your skill and creativity at the Hewanorra National Honey Show 10th December 2022 @ the IGY Marina. Register now at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgXJaVi-Nw8oQ6fguA4-MOzBNrR6aZ1EVnPU8h9bRdR-z5kw/viewform