By Aabigayle McIntosh
Antigua and Barbuda’s Statistics Division is preparing to conduct a highly anticipated housing and population census in the upcoming year. The Chief Statistician, Rohan Anthony, stated that the last census occurred in 2011 and that the next count was originally planned for 2021.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, it had to be postponed.
Now, the division is getting ready to carry out the census, which is crucial for obtaining accurate data regarding the demographics and housing conditions of the country.
“When we get census information at the end of the day, that is information that covers a lot of different sections of society demographic information, labor information, that information is the process and is available on our website,” Anthony said.
According to Anthony, the information collated is used to drive policies and programs for the government.
He wants the entire country to participate in the process.
“Students can also participate because the information is used as research in School-Based Assessments (SBA). When a person wants to start a business there is information at the division that will guide them as to whether or not it is a feasible venture, where it will be located and other things,” Antony said.
In Antigua and Barbuda, a census is taken at least every 10 years to produce comparable information at a fixed interval.
The 2011 Population and Housing Census (Census 2011) was to produce housing, demographic and social data that government, researchers, and regional and international stakeholders can use to develop effective policies, plans and programs.
Yes a housing and population census is well overdue. High time for us to get another one done.