National Beekeepers Cooperative Society convened its 4th AGM on June 28, to advance Dominica's honey industry

The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. convened its Fourth Annual General Meeting on June 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to advance Dominica's honey industry. During 
the session, members elected a new Board of Directors. Mr. Kevin James was re-elected as President for a second consecutive term. 

Joining him on the executive team are Ms. Vernella Orlé as Vice President, Mr. Leroy Cyprien as Treasurer, Ms. Afreda Joan Paul as Secretary, Dr. Cyril Robinson as Assistant Treasurer/Secretary, and Mr. Vincent Simon as the newly elected Public Relations Officer, alongside several board members.Following the election, President James thanked the membership for their trust, noting that the renewed mandate would challenge the cooperative to expand opportunities for beekeepers, improve product quality, and strengthen key partnerships. 

The meeting also emphasized the strategic development of the sector, focusing on food security, biodiversity, and international market competitiveness. Vice President Orlé stated that developing the industry requires collective action to establish a strong national honey brand that reflects the quality and authenticity of Dominican honey. 

This sentiment was echoed by the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Keian Stephenson, who invited the cooperative to collaborate on a proposed National Apiculture Facility and stressed the value of a unified national brand. Additionally, FAO International Value Chain Expert, Ms. Vermaran Extravour delivered the feature address, highlighting that robust value chain development and strong collaboration among governments, partners, and beekeepers are vital to successfully accessing higher-value global markets.