As the project has taken off, I have encountered many a mixed impression with the bees from people locally. For one, as a student on the project, this is the closest interaction I've ever had with honey bees. However, I can't quite say I've been afraid.
Funnily enough though, I have encountered people working on farms that are terrified of bees as well as a few other people that have a phobia of them.
What have I learned though? Bees don't really care about people that much unless provoked. I've had to walk between hives swarming with bees and not a bee sting yet. The project has also made me more cognizant as to how many pollinating insects are around us all the time even though we're unaware and how great a role they play in getting plants on farms to fruit so that we can get them in the markets and for export. Below are a few obscure photos taken randomly around the island --- be it the T.A.M.C.C. campus or someone's backyard.
Next time you step outside, actually stop and smell the flowers, peer a little closer and you may just be surprised at the little critters flying around helping make those gorgeous blossoms possible.
