Bees are essential. As prolific pollinators, they are key to the production process for a significant proportion of the food we eat, and they contribute to global food security.

This is why the United Nations has reserved May 20^th as World Bee Day. It’s an occasion to raise awareness about the importance of these tiny pollen couriers, about the threats they face and about their contributions to sustainable development.

On Friday (May 20^th), the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development’s Apiculture Unit celebrated World Bee Day at Shirvan Administrative Complex. The Division hosted an exhibition that featured live demonstrations and informative displays, and highlighted value-added products like honey, and beeswax, as well as skin care items. The exhibitors included George and Sons, King Solomon, and Bee-Youthiful Skin TT. 

The Division’s agricultural officer I, Cherith Irvine, said the importance of bees should not be taken for granted.

“World Bee Day is designated as a day to celebrate our tiny but mighty creatures who contribute to a healthy, functioning eco-system and to promote awareness in the beekeeping sector. Since its inception in 2018, this day is marked as a significant day to focus on the many roles the honeybees play and to help to bring awareness to the population,” Irvine said.

“The Association of Caribbean Beekeeping Organizations made a call for persons to plant 1,000 trees across the Caribbean to help support pollinators. And on May 18^th, the Apiculture Unit held a short tree planting exercise in the vicinity of the Division’s apiary, located at Kendal Farm School, in an effort to support the pollinators,” he added.

The theme for the exhibition was ‘Bee Engaged: Build Back Better for Bees’.

So, the next time you see one of those tiny couriers buzzing by, consider their vital contributions to our global food needs!