Sweet deal with Brasso Seco farmers

Speaking at the launch of Digicel (TT) Foundation’s Honey Seco brand at Digicel West Mall branch, project manager and secretary for the Brasso Seco/Morne La Croix Farmers Association Winston Maraj said that from last July to date, it has been a good time for the farmers as they saw their dreams, “Finally come to pass.” Maraj said the association applied for funding from the Digicel Foundation and received $65,000 to invest in their project. He said with the funding they were able to purchase bees, hives and equipment along with other items to start an apiary. “After a group of us completed a course at the Government’s Apiary Division, I asked numerous people to help us do something with our talent. But no one helped.

“We reach out to the Ministry of Agriculture and other businesses to invest in us. But no one was interested. Now today we are seeing a dream come through with the help from the Digicel Foundation.” Maraj explained that following the course at the Apiary Division they were told that the group did not qualify to get equipment to start up the business via the government.

He said despite the delayed honey season (because of the heavy rain fall late last year) they were able to harvest their first batch of honey, and decided to call the product, Honey Seco. “Due to the fact climate change can adversely affect the bee business, we have engineered a rain water harvesting system, and have included the use of solar energy to guarantee the bees are comfortable and productive,” Maraj said. Maraj said they have also applied to the Canadian High Commission for funding and CANARI has also been assisting with technical advice to strengthen the business. “We plan to use the income from the honey sales to re-invest in small enterprises in our community, and also go into other communities to help others with similar initiatives.” Digicel Foundation Chairman Garvin Medera announced the foundation will be partnering with the community for another year with funding to further develop the enterprise.

“We will market the product as best as possible to the wider Trinidad and Tobago community.

For us we have invested US$10,000 and what we are now pledging to do is to continue supporting and provide $100,000 for the association.” Medera said they partnered with the association to implement a community bee Apiary, and they were very pleased to see a lot of positive change within the community, and it proved to be very successful which provided the premium honey today.