 In a prestigious ceremony held in commemoration of World B Day, the Ministry of Agriculture paid tribute to visionary farmers and key-stake holders who have been instrumental in propelling the apiculture sector forward. In attendance were representatives from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the UNDP's Global Environment Fund Small Grants Programme, who were recognized for their crucial role in fostering a conducive environment for agricultural progress. National Programme coordinator of the Jeff Small Grants Programme, Giles Romulus, commended the Agriculture Ministry for their initiative in promoting apiculture, emphasizing the significance of continued support and funding for the sector's expansion throughout St. Lucia and the OECS. Apiculture for us is a major theme for funding in St. Lucia and throughout the OECS and we will continue to support the government and people of St. Lucia in that respect. We really want to see this country rise to its fullest potential. If you look carefully, we have the biodiversity, if you look at the amount of endemic species, the amount of forest we still have, both dry, zereophytic and rainforests, we have a general resource management approach to our resources in St. Lucia and we have people who are beginning to show great interest. We need to stir that part even further and we need to attract more people and most importantly bring more science into the management of apiculture, without science, without the research and the innovation that is required, we will stymie, we will stagnate, we will not go anywhere. The event also marked the launch of the apiculture catalogue and the upcoming sustainable honey production farmer field school, signaling a new era of growth and innovation. Chief veterinary officer Dr. Shamin Melville Edwin expressed gratitude and admiration for the unwavering commitment, innovative approaches and tireless efforts of the recognized individuals. Recognizing the historical significance of beekeeping in St. Lucia, she highlighted the manifold benefits that the apiculture sector brings to the economy and environment. Although beekeeping has a long history in St. Lucia, we are still here to tap into that full, the full extent of all the wealth and opportunities that are in that sector. The demand for honey is increasing and we are still unable to meet those demands. So it is therefore very important at this juncture that we thrive to maximize the economic impact and the ecological benefits of the apiculture sector. With innovative farmers leading the way and stakeholders providing support, the Ministry of Agriculture remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the apiculture sector and ensuring its continued growth. From the communications unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, I am Anisia Andouan reporting.