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Belton
applied for $16,700 in April 2006, when he had 39 hives. However,
before receiving the first loan installment of $8,500 in November 2006,
he lost 11 hives due to an infestation of the wax moth. He invested in
materials and equipment, and built his own supers. The setback from the
moth infestation significantly reduced the production levels he
anticipated when applying for the loan. He expects that by year-end he
will be able to market approximately 90 gallons from 22 mature hives
and begin to make loan payments.
Belton’s goal at 53 years is to
become a full-time beekeeper and to encourage his 16 year old son and
20 year old daughter to become more involved in the apiary.
With
47 hives located at four different sites at La Digue, Tuilleries, De
Blandeau and Menere, Belfon spends hours observing bees. While he
markets his honey as “100 % natural tropical blossom honey” he wants
Grenada’s beekeepers to come together and market under one label to
access overseas markets.
“I believe the quality of Grenada’s
honey is related to the variety of tropical flowers we have and that is
why we win competitions,” Belton noted. In 2001, 3 Grenadian beekeepers
were among the winning entries in the National Honey Show in England
taking Third prize, Very Highly Commended and Highly Commended. In 2002
Grenada had 5 winning entries including First, Second, Third, Very
Highly Commended, Highly Commended and Commended. The competition
features exhibits in 168 classes, of which 29 are open to the world. |
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