The Government of the Virgin Islands is joining its regional counterparts in observing Caribbean Statistics Day (CSD) on Friday as it continues to promote the need for up-to-date information and enhanced data collection.

In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Director of the Central Statistics Office, Mr. Raymond Phillips said, “Statistics Day gives the Statistics Department the opportunity to tout the benefits of Statistics and the indispensable role it plays in the socio-economic development of the Virgin Islands.”

He added, “It has been a difficult but ongoing task to impress upon the population (and other data providers) the importance of having statistics readily available. This could only be possible if the data providers cooperate with the efforts of the Statistics Department when executing data collection exercises.”

CSD is observed on October 15 annually across the Caribbean region.  The Central Statistics Office (CSO) will be hosting “Meet the Staff Day” on Friday, October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Raphel Stoutt Building, Road Town  to encourage and develop a culture of data sharing among the population and to sensitise users, suppliers and producers of data of the importance of statistics in decision making, planning, policy formulation and research. 

Mr. Phillips said, “The rationale for the observance of Caribbean Statistics Day is to increase the awareness of the importance of statistics and its critical role across the Caribbean and throughout the World. At this occasion the public  will meet and greet the staff from the various sections within the office which include the Economic Statistics, National Accounts and Government Finance Statistics, and Social Statistics Sections. The office also strives to sensitise government officials, the private sector and the general public about what they produce, how they are produced, and how these products can be used.“

Regarding this year’s activities, the CSO exhibition will showcase very interesting BVI statistics and visitors would appreciate the information being displayed, in particular, the movement of prices and other statistical data. In addition, the data displayed will highlight every unit within the department to show the public how much statistics are generated, and most importantly, how they are used.

Last year’s theme was “Leave No One Behind – Everyone Counts”.  The theme for Caribbean Statistics Day is set by CARICOM and if a new theme for this year 2022 is announced it will be shared with the public. 

The CSO, 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.

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.