2010 national population and housing census launched

Monday, January 25, 2010 – The government of Saint Lucia has taken another major step towards improving the social and economic landscape of the country with the national launch of the 2010 housing and population census.

The 2010 census, which will be conducted by the National Statistical Office, will help government build and improve on social and economic policies which deal with issues like healthcare, education, unemployment and sustainable development, among others.

Speaking at the census launch on Monday 25^th of January, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development, Honourable Stephenson King, used the opportunity to urge all citizens to support the 2010 census, which he says, will provide a factual platform for the future development of Saint Lucia.

“The 2010 census is important because it reflects what we as Saint Lucians believe is important to measure, count and record about ourselves and our way of life. The census gives us all a better understanding of both our past and present. With information collected about ourselves today, we can plan our tomorrow more confidently and effectively,” the prime minister said.

Enumerators bearing official ID cards from the Central Statistical Office, will embark on a mission during the months of May and June, to visit all households around the country, interviewing citizens on a number of issues including migration, healthcare and crime.

Citizens are required to provide factual information, when responding to the census questionnaire.

Director of the Central Statistics Office, Mr Edwin S. ,Catherine, says the information collected from citizens during the census period, will remain confidential in accordance with international standards.

“In publishing the results of the census, no information will be disseminated on any single individual or household; this is very critical because confidentiality is paramount. Data is aggregated before data dissemination can take place, therefore respondents should not worry about access to their personal information as that is something we guard jealously,” St. Catherine said.

Monday's launch signalled the start of public census in May.

The last housing and population census for Saint Lucia was conducted in 2001.

Census day will be observed on May 10, 2010.

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