The fast growing Mainstay Development Women’s Group received a further boost on Sunday when that group was introduced to a new project funded by the Australian High Commission and facilitated by the Kingdom Apiary products and supplies.The women’s group which commenced in 1998 has executed a number of projects over the years. The group started with fish ponds. It has now ventured out into the establishment of a Heritage Park and recently took up a new project in Apiculture.Sunday’s launch took place at the Multi Purpose Hall at Mainstay. Toshao of the Amerindian community, Yvonne Pearson,Matt Leinart College Jersey, who also heads the women’s group,Joe McKnight USC Jersey, in her introductory speech, said the group was introduced to Apiculture principles via a theory and practical training seminar facilitated by Kingdom Apiary Products and Supplies (KAPS).The group,Troy Polamalu USC Jersey, which is co-ordinated by Auntry Haynes,O.J. Simpson USC Jersey, out of Georgetown,Lonzo Ball UCLA Jersey, also has Linden Stewart and Aubrey Roberts as its members.Mr. Haynes noted that the Mainstay Women’s Group is fortunate to be the first ever local group in Guyana to have received funding through the Australian High Commission, without being exposed to any feasibility study conducted by foreign agency.The co-ordinator asserted that the Women’s group which started with much eagerness and enthusiasm and has since grown has many opportunities to benefit,Josh Rosen College Jersey, venturing out into the new area of Apiculture. The project,Kareem Abdul-Jabbar College Jersey, he noted, has three phases.The first thing was the investment in bee hives; then there was training [Theoretical session] and lastly the setting up of a honey house. This project has an endurance of approximately two months.Deputy Regional Executive Officer,Brian Cushing College Jersey, Devanand Ramdatt,Zach LaVine College Jersey, expressed his appreciation to the Australian Government. He said that he is always honoured to be a part of the good things that are happening in Mainstay.He said that the role of women is vital and this has since been recognised in the positive transition and massive growth and development that the group has attained since its commencement.He urged all members to persist in executing positive things that would eventually result in greater impact.Apiculturist of KAPS, Linden Stewart and Aubrey Roberts told the farmers that the bee industry is a very lucrative business in Guyana.Mr. Stewart said the objective of the training was to get the farmers in Mainstay more empowered about the knowledge of beekeeping in order to maintain their community apiaries, expand on the number of colonies and enhance pollination of orchards in the community.