Beekeeping: Understanding the Contradictions of External Effects

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, participated in the OECS honey event during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture and Honey Show in Saint Kitts & Nevis in 2025. Pollination services are estimated to contribute between USD 235 and 577 billion annually to global agriculture, while the honey market is valued at around USD 8.92 billion. This gap illustrates a significant paradox: the immense value generated by bees is often overlooked in market assessments and public policy. Caribbean governments face a crucial decision: to view apiculture merely as a niche for honey production or to acknowledge its vital role in food security, biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, and rural economies.