Beekeepers use smoke to calm their bees so that they can work with them in relative safety. Smoke doesn't have the same calming effect on the beekeepers themselves. In fact it can have the opposite effect if blown up the wrong place.Local honey producers are faced with the impending liberalisation of the industry, the apparent result of mounting pressure within the Caricom market to open our doors to honey from other Caribbean islands.
Some of the remarks emerging from the consuming public seem to suggest that this a welcome move because many feel local honey is extortionately priced.A deeper look at the issue readily reveals that this is not simply a protectionist stance being adopted by the local industry.
Beade Rajaram is a beekeeper associated with the all T&T Apiculture Co-operative. He explains that local industry players were made aware of steps towards a liberalised market as a fait accompli. Beade says in principle they don't have a problem with the importation of honey, but as with any agricultural product there are concerns about importing diseases, which can have repercussions for both the human and bee populations in this country.
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