ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 14th, 2012 – In promoting the need for up to date information and enhanced data collection, the Government of the Virgin Islands is joining its regional counterparts in celebrating Caribbean Statistics Day (CSD) in mid October.
The Development Planning Unit, whose remit includes statistics, intends to use Caribbean Statistics Day as a way to educate the public on the importance of statistics, promote its usage and demonstrate how statistics are used by Government.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Director of the Development Planning Unit Mr. Raymond Phillips said, “Government intends to diversify the BVI economy on a sustained level, and statistics are vital in informing the process and monitoring progress towards that desired outcome.”
He added, “The Development Planning Unit is seeking to improve its data collection processes while employing recognised international standards. This is what we are highlighting as we celebrate Caribbean Statistics Day.”
Regarding this year’s activities, Mr. Phillips said the exhibition will showcase very interesting BVI statistics and visitors would appreciate the information being displayed.
“This is the third year we are celebrating Caribbean Statistics Day and we have chosen to highlight every unit within the department to show the public how much statistics are generated, and most importantly, how they are used,” said Mr. Phillips.
He continued, “From our Social Statistics section, there are statistics on births, deaths, marriages, census, naturalization and belonger status, and resident status statistics. Economic Statistics will show statistics on consumer price index, tourism price index, fuel price movement, trade statistics and financial intermediaries.”
He added, “Also, the section for Government Finance Statistics will inform the public as to how much money Government has spent and on what areas of the economy they have spent it.”
Senior Statistician Mrs. Michelle Richmond-Phillips said that National Accounts and the Balance of Payment sections, which fall under her portfolio, will reveal information pertinent to the Territory’s business environment and stated businesspersons should especially be interested in those sections.
The display of the newly added Environmental Statistics section will highlight the importance of the collection of this type of data.
The director said that there will be activities leading up to Caribbean Statistics Day in October; namely, appearances by the department’s staff on local talk shows, and the release of public service announcements with titbits of information about the BVI, reflecting all sections covered by the unit.
The announcements are being released so that the youth are prepared in time for ZBVI 780AM’s General Knowledge Quiz for the entire week beginning October 8. Winners will be awarded prizes.
The exact date of Caribbean Statistics Day is set by CARICOM and will be announced locally as soon as that information is sent to the Development Planning Unit.
The Territory’s observance of Caribbean Statistics Day is in line with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ mission to collaborate with regional counterparts, in addition to highlighting its commitment to enhanced data collection and production.
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