Dear Bee-lers:
The following is a news notice on development of
the Caribbean Apicultural Development Association for your information:
 
Hope you enjoy it:
 
If you want more information, contact the steering committee; Dr.
Pesante for news items--first hard copy due in July or so.
 
 Caribbean Apicultural Development Association (CADA) Newsletter
 
                               by
 
                           Tom Sanford
                     Extension Apiculturist
                      University of Florida
 
Why the CADA?
 
The Caribbean Apicultural Development Association (CADA) was formed
in response to information shared at the First Regional Training
Workshop for Beekeepers, May 11-13, 1992, Castries, St. Lucia.
Fifty-six beekeepers and officials involved in apiculture from 19
nations met to exchange technical information and discuss
apicultural development problems in the region.  A major conclusion
by those in attendance was that few, mostly weak beekeeping
associations exist at the national level throughout the Caribbean.
Because of this, it is believed that a strong regional beekeeping
development effort could significantly help nations upgrade their
individual apicultural programs.  Particular issues deemed
important to beekeeping development in the Caribbean are:
 
1.  Possible introduction/establishment of the African honey bee
and diseases and pests of honey bees, particularly the Varroa bee
mite, on many islands presently free of such organisms.
 
2.  Integration of beekeeping into environmental conservation and
agro-forestry initiatives presently underway in the region.
 
3.  Formation of a viable queen-rearing industry in the region.
This effort would first supply disease-free stock to the area
itself, reducing the risk that infested imported stock would have
to be brought in.   Secondly, this could exploit the export market
because so many islands are currently free of important diseases
and pests, including the African honey bee.
 
4.  Provision of technical information to beekeepers in the region
and increasing possibilities for diversifying the marketing of bee
products.
 
The new Caribbean Apicultural Development Association (CADA) has a
five-member steering committee:
 
Abudu Jaima (Chair)
EAG, P.O. Box 103
St. John's, Antigua
ph 462-1469, FAX 460-1740
 
Jorge Murillo-Yepes
CATCO, P.O. Box 612
St. George's, Grenada
ph 440-2031
 
Rupert Gajadhar
Mille Fleur Cooperative
P.O. Box 1322
Castries, St. Lucia
ph 452-5872
 
Dr. Daniel Pesante
University of Puerto Rico
Animal Science Dept.
College Station, 5000 Mayaguez, P.R. 00681
ph 809-265-3854; FAX 809-265-0860
 
Mohamed Hallim
Ministry of Agriculture
St. Clair Circle
Port of Spain, Trinidad
ph 622-1221, Extension 328
 
The first concrete accomplishment of the new association is in your
hands.  This edition of the CADA newsletter is being sent to a
large mailing list throughout the Caribbean.  At present, there is
no limitation on membership and you are asked to pass on this
information to beekeepers, officials and others interested in
beekeeping development in your area.  We are also interested in
your news which should be communicated to the editor of the
newsletter, Dr. Pesante, at the above address.
 
It is fortunate that the International Bee Research Association
(IBRA) has planned its 5th International Convention on Beekeeping
in the Tropics, Sept. 7-12, 1992, to be held in Trinidad.  This
will result in the opportunity for many of the participants to meet
again soon keeping the high level of enthusiasm displayed in St.
Lucia.  It is projected that by the time of the Trinidad meeting,
the steering committee will have drafted a constitution to
determine how elections might work and membership will be
solicited.  Anyone interested in details about the convention or
CADA's next meeting should contact Mohamed Hallim at the above
address.