Region to observe Caribbean Statistics Day tomorrow

The Caribbean will observe Caribbean Statistics Day tomorrow, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS).

Grenada's Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, hopes this milestone prompts Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments to strengthen their statistical systems. The theme for this year is 'Improving Lives through Statistics, Strengthening and Innovating Together'.

Mitchell, CARICOM chairman, emphasised the importance of statistics for informed decision-making by governments, the private sector, researchers, and citizens. He called for innovative ways to promote statistics education in schools to develop future experts who can lead the region.

In addition to Caribbean Statistics Day, the region also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and their 10th endorsement anniversary by the UN General Assembly. The fourth High-Level Advocacy Forum on Statistics will be held in Belize alongside the 49th SCCS meeting.

Mitchell highlighted the essential role of statistics in sustainable development, transparency, and accountability. He stressed the need for resources and partnerships to enhance statistical capacity, referencing the CARICOM Quality Assurance Framework and Code of Good Statistics Practice.

Reflecting on the past 50 years, he praised the SCCS for promoting regional collaboration, enabling Caribbean countries to manage data effectively despite limited resources. He also acknowledged the support of development partners in these efforts.

He noted that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) emphasises investing in human and institutional capacity to improve data collection and infrastructure.

With natural disasters affecting the region's progress, Mitchell said quality statistics are vital for disaster recovery, climate justice, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mitchell underscored the importance of data for various sectors, including tourism, renewable energy, and food security, urging a focus on collaboration and innovation to strengthen statistical systems.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett also highlighted the theme's emphasis on the role of statistics in improving the welfare of CARICOM citizens and the importance of timely data for regional development.

She called for renewed efforts to enhance statistics collection and application across CARICOM to address critical challenges like crime, climate change, and economic issues.

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