On the 2024 UK Nationwide Honey Present, probably the most prestigious honey competitors on this planet, which took place in London from October 24 to 26, beekeepers from two OECS Member States achieved a historic victory. Dominica participated and took the highest place within the Worldwide Honey class for the primary time within the present’s 100-year historical past.
Beekeeper Nathaniel Lovell established the Dominican honey firm La Vie Miel, which received the coveted Class 9 award, demonstrating the exceptional high quality of Dominican honey globally.
Within the “Finest Worldwide Honey, Class 10: One Jar of Clear Honey” class, Saint Lucia took first place, making headlines as properly. With award-winning honey from Vincent “JEG” Clarke of View Forte, Saint Lucia achieved its second 12 months on the prime. Saint Lucian beekeepers accounted for 3 of the highest seven spots, whereas Emerald Farms of Soufriere got here in second, and Donson Stanley, the winner from the earlier 12 months, got here in fourth. The one different profitable entries have been from South Africa, showcasing the standard of Caribbean beekeeping worldwide.
This worldwide victory for Dominica’s Lovell, which runs greater than 100 beehives in seven apiaries, builds on prior successes, resembling first place on the 2023 Saint Lucia Honey Present, which was sponsored by the European Union (EU)-funded BioSPACE Challenge on behalf of the Group of Japanese Caribbean States (OECS) Fee. His honey was acknowledged as Finest in Present, Finest Darkish Amber Honey, and Finest Gentle Amber Honey.
“It feels nice to have this acknowledged on the highest degree, as I’ve all the time believed that our Dominican honey has particular and distinctive qualities,” Lovell remarked. “Representing my nation and placing Dominica on the map on this world enviornment makes me proud.”
Lovell’s La Vie Miel model demonstrates the various potential of Dominican honey. It’s well-known for its assortment of seasonal honey and speciality items, together with Savonette Honey, Creamed Honey, and Sizzling Honey. La Vie Miel introduces the distinct aromas of Caribbean honey to the world by native gross sales and exports to Saint Martin and Tortola.
Assist for regional beekeeping applications just like the Hewanorra (OECS) Honey Present, which began in 2021, has been a big issue within the latest accomplishments of Saint Lucia and Dominica. The occasion offers OECS members the possibility to compete each regionally and globally. The Iyanola Apiculture Collective organizes it with help from a number of regional and worldwide organizations. “Beekeeping was one of many most important financial drivers within the Caribbean for 200 years, and we hope to maintain this custom alive—not just for its financial advantages but additionally to help our individuals and the planet,” mentioned Richard Matthias, President of the Iyanola Apiculture Collective.
These triumphs function a rallying cry for regional help and legal guidelines that safeguard the integrity and prospects of honey manufacturing all through the Caribbean. To guard the native market from the implications of imported, contaminated honey, Caribbean beekeepers have repeatedly argued for the need of standardized testing and protections. Dominican and Saint Lucian beekeepers have proved the Caribbean’s capacity to compete on a worldwide scale, which the OECS and different stakeholders acknowledge, highlighting the importance of sustained funding and help within the sector.
