The crucial role statistics plays across a wide spectrum of activities was emphasised as the Territory joined its regional counterparts in the observance of Caribbean Statistics Day.

Director of the Central Statistics Office, Mr. Raymond Phillips said the main focus of Caribbean Statistics Day is to promote statistics in the region while the main idea is to garner a greater profile for statistics in the region by promoting a culture of evidence based decision making.

Mr. Phillips said the day was observed on Monday October 15 and the theme “Building Resilience of the Caribbean Community” was appropriate given the Territory’s current climate following the weather events of 2017.

He added, “Statistics are widely used to support policy development and in measuring the social and economic health of countries. We look forward to ramping up our efforts by formalising the internal processes of interaction with our data sources. This would contribute to the production of statistics in a timely manner hence rendering the country more prepared for future weather events, should they occur.”

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.

The Central Statistics Office is mandated to monitor, research, and report on the performance of the Virgin Islands’ economy in all important aspects including output, growth, income and employment, interest rates, prices; and short-term and long-term structural changes.