Colonies shattered; honey production in peril

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s beekeeping industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island’s western region on October 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, particularly for local beekeepers like Duhjae Jennings and Hyacinth Wellington. Their apiaries, essential for honey production and bee colony maintenance, have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed structures, destroyed forage, and long-term setbacks in honey production.