Importance of statistics pressed by ESO

(CNS): The Economics and Statistics Office will be doing its best to emphasise the importance of statistics Monday, in a community that is often reluctant to take part in surveys. The ESO will lead observance of the CARICOM-designated Caribbean Statistics Day in the Cayman Islands. This year’s theme, Working together to improve statistics in the 21st century and beyond and the office will highlight the importance of statistics that are credible, relevant, timely and user-friendly and that inform meaningful decision-making by government, the private sector and all other stakeholders.

In his message marking the regional day the Secretary-General Of The Caribbean Community (Caricom), Irwin Larocque, said the day underscores the need for collaborative actions and the building of partnerships to enable the investment of adequate resources in statistics.

Despite certain achievements across the region he said there were still critical data gaps and problems with the quality and timeliness of the statistics.

“Statisticians across the Region are encouraged to continue to bridge the gaps in the data and in its timeliness, which will ensure that users of statistics are provided with accurate, reliable and timely statistics for decision-making,” he said. 

On Monday, ESO staff will make presentations on the Census data to students of John Gray and Clifton Hunter high schools during the day about their work in Cayman and a similar presentation to the statistics students at the University College of the Cayman Islands at 7.30pm. Additionally, Sterling Dwayne Ebanks will host a group discussion on Radio Cayman’s Talk Today at 1 p.m., featuring ESO Acting Director Elizabeth Talbert and Senior Statistician Julietta Beaupierre, Customs Training Manager Langlie Powery and Chamber of Commerce CEO Wil Pineau.