Even though it’s the first thing most people ask when they hear he’s a beekeeper, Clive Smith can’t remember how many times he’s been stung.
“I have no idea,” he said. Not that he wants to get stung. On a recent visit to one hive, a box he built with wooden frames to separate the queen and the hive’s own honey from the honey he’ll collect, Mr. Smith suited up in coveralls, gloves, and a netted hat to protect his face.
Mr. Smith got into beekeeping as a child, after an uncle who noticed him keeping jack Spaniards thought he’d be better off with bees that could give him some honey for his trouble.
“I’ve been keeping bees ever since,” he said. He’s currently keeping busy in his spare time with four hives located “around the eastern side of the island.” He bottles and sells the honey they produce.
See the Aug. 29, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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