Bees swarm T&T park

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Agriculture Minister, Kazim Hosein, is urging people to avoid entering the Palmiste Park, in San Fernando, south of Port of Spain, after a swarm of bees attacked several people, some of whom were hospitalised on Easter Monday.

“I urge all citizens to heed the advice of the authorities and avoid entering Palmiste Park until further notice. Bee stings can cause serious injury or even death, particularly for those who are allergic,” said Hosein, adding “we are taking proactive measures to address the situation and ensure the safety of park users.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) saying it is “deeply concerned” at the situation, said several individuals had been injured by the attacks and that “the safety and well-being of the public, particularly in recreational spaces where families and individuals gather for leisure activities, remain our top priority”.

The ministry said that the Bee Abatement Unit of County Victoria had conducted a surveillance exercise that subsequently identified seven hives within the park premises “that have the potential to pose further harm to park users if disturbed”.

It said that the hives are located in trees at heights of 30 feet or more and that the Unit will attempt to remove accessible hives and conduct abatement activities on those hives that are difficult to access but pose a high risk to park users.

“Citizens are advised to heed the authorities’ warning and refrain from entering the park until further notice. Furthermore, it is essential to exercise due vigilance and refrain from disturbing the bees if using the park. The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the public during this time,” the ministry added.

In October 2022, a member of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), Philbert Cuffie, died after he was was attacked by a swarm of bees while hunting. The ministry had noted then that the attack may have been done by Africanised honey bees that have since out-populated the more docile European and other solitary bees.

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