Kingstown St. Vincent April 17, 2026 – A two day training on Introduction to Beekeeping was held at the Belmont Seventh‑day Adventist Church from April 15-16, under the banner of the Youthful Honey Project – The Taste of Being Healthy. The initiative encouraged young people to view beekeeping as a pathway to self‑employment and entrepreneurship, while strengthening food security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Funded by Republic Bank, the project is jointly implemented by the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), the SVG Mission of Seventh‑day Adventist, and the Adventist Youth Ministries Advisory Council. The opening ceremony was chaired by Roxanne John, Chairperson of the Youthful Honey Committee.
Pastor Shane Franklyn, President of the SVG Mission of Seventh‑day Adventist, told participants that the church actively develops programmes to improve lives by addressing social, emotional, and physical well‑being. He commended Republic Bank’s commitment to community development, noting its alignment with the church’s mission to effect meaningful change.
Dawnette Constance, Personal Banking Manager at Republic Bank (EC) Limited, explained that the bank’s support falls under its Power to Make a Difference programme, which invests in community‑driven projects across SVG. She emphasized that beekeeping’s value extends beyond honey production, contributing to environmental health, stronger food systems, and economic growth. “The strength of the hive comes from teamwork, communication, and a shared goal,” she said, drawing parallels with effective community development.
Delivering the feature address, Pastor Brent St. Jean, Youth Director of the SVG Mission of SDA, described the initiative as a movement of change and transformation. He said the project addresses food security, biodiversity, youth employment, and support for vulnerable groups, and praised the collaboration among partners, particularly Republic Bank’s support.
Additional remarks came from ADRA Director Pastor Ian William and Beekeeping Extension Officer Allan Williams, both of whom reinforced the project’s potential to empower young Vincentians