Dominica made a strong showing at the prestigious Hewanorra National Honey Show in St. Lucia, which took place after the 12th Caribbean Beekeepers Congress. The four-day Congress was a highly anticipated gathering for beekeepers from across the Caribbean to come together, network, and exchange knowledge and best practices. The Hewanorra National Honey Show is not only a platform for learning but also a competition where Caribbean nations compete for top honors in various categories, showcasing the finest in honey, beeswax products, and other value-added products.

At this year’s show, Dominica’s participants excelled in multiple categories, winning sixteen awards reinforcing the island’s reputation for high-quality bee products. Dominica entered into a wide range of categories and received multiple awards, demonstrating the island’s diverse talent and expertise.

Beekeepers from across the Caribbean islands participated in the show, including Antigua, Barbuda, St. Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Barbados, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Dominica’s exceptional performance at the show is highlighted by the following first-place awards:

• Medium Amber Extracted Honey – 1st Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)

• CARICOM Honey – 1st place (Nathaniel Lovell) – Best Honey in CARICOM

• Mead – 1st Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)

• Best in Show OECS – Nathaniel Lovell

• Art (Adult) – 1st Prize (Carol Sorhaindo)

In addition to these top honors, Dominica received awards in several other categories, showcasing the island’s wide-ranging excellence. The full list of additional awards is as follows:

• Photography – 2nd Prize (Vernella Orlé)

• Photography – 3rd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)

• Best Commercial Product (Value Added Product) – 2nd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)

• Beeswax Candles – 2nd Prize (Terri Henry-Lovell)

• Inclusions with Chocolate – 2nd Prize (Alan Napier)

• Light Amber Extracted Honey – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)

• Dark Amber Extracted Honey – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)

• Beeswax Block – 3rd Prize (Nathaniel Lovell)

• Chocolate Bar (Dark) – 3rd Prize (Alan Napier)

• Chocolate Bar (Milk) – 3rd Prize (Alan Napier)

Additionally, Nathaniel Lovell also won the coveted UK National Honey Show Blue Ribbon Award for the best exhibit in the entire show, further solidifying Dominica’s high ranking after their recent first place in the UK National Honey Show International Category for 2 matching jars. With awards spanning across honey, beeswax products, photography, art, and even chocolate, Dominica’s participants proved their expertise across categories, demonstrating the island’s commitment to excellence in beekeeping and product development.

Competitions were also held in honey cocktail, honey cakes, and best commercial product (honey), and junior art.

In 2023, participants won six awards at the Hewanorra Honey Show and with this recent landslide of sixteen awards, which was the most awards received by any one country, Dominica continues to improve and excel.