Minister Mike Noersalim of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV) on Friday, 6 November 2026, called for closer economic cooperation within the Caribbean. According to the minister, countries in the region must join forces to further develop the beekeeping sector, strengthen regional value chains and jointly address economic and climate-related challenges.
The minister made this appeal during the opening of the three-day ‘Swit Okasi’ congress, which loosely translates as ‘Sweet Opportunities’. The congress is being held as part of the 13th Caribbean Beekeepers Congress & CARICOM Regional Honey Show and brings together representatives of the beekeeping sector from various Caribbean countries.
According to Noersalim, there has been valuable cooperation and knowledge exchange between countries in the region for many years. However, this cooperation must be further expanded to seize new economic opportunities.
“This is the time to join hands, expand value chains across borders and stand economically strong together,” the minister stressed.
Involving more young people and women in beekeeping
According to the minister, an important point of attention is encouraging new entrepreneurs in the beekeeping sector. Young people and women in particular should be encouraged to develop as beekeepers.
Noersalim is convinced that these groups can make an important contribution to the further professionalisation and economic growth of the sector. This requires not only national commitment, but also support from regional and international cooperation partners.
The minister expressed his appreciation for the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which among other things provide support for the Mangrove+ project. He also thanked the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Caribbean Beekeepers Association (ACBO) for their efforts in organising the congress.
In addition, he expressed his gratitude to the relevant national ministries, non-governmental organisations and other partners contributing to the development of beekeeping.
Surinamese beekeepers form the foundation of the sector
Special attention was given to Surinamese beekeepers and bee keepers, who, according to the minister, have played an important role over the years in building and maintaining the sector.
“Their experience is our most important foundation,” Noersalim stated.
The minister further stressed that cooperation is important not only for economic development, but also for addressing the effects of climate change.
He used the beehive as an example of how a society can function through collective effort.
“No bee works for itself; every movement, every task serves the welfare of the community,” the minister said.
Noersalim called on participants to use this idea as a starting point for further cooperation. According to him, the Caribbean region can develop a sustainable and economically strong beekeeping sector by working together.
“If we continue to work shoulder to shoulder like the bees, we can face the challenges of climate and the economy and build a sweet, sustainable future together,” the minister said.
