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Residents Urged to Stay Cautious Amid Census Impersonation Reports

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Residents are being urged toward caution of census-worker impersonators (file photo)

By Shermain Bique-Charles
[email protected]

Residents are being urged to remain vigilant as reports emerge of individuals impersonating census workers. Statchel Edwards, the Director of the National Bureau of Statistics, confirmed that no authorized personnel have been deployed to conduct the Housing and Population Census 2025, which is set to begin next month.

Edwards emphasized, “No enumerators are in the field. There’s no one that’s actually doing census taking at this point in time.” He urged the public to be wary of anyone claiming to be part of the census team at this time.

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As preparations for the census continue, Edwards assured that once the data collection begins, the public will be properly informed. He mentioned that authorized census workers will be easily identifiable.

What we are ensuring is that once we start data collection activities, we will inform the public of exactly how census workers will be dressed, what will be their procedures, because they will be properly identified. They will have on a vest that says census 2025. They will have an official logo and an official ID,” he stated.

With Census Day approaching on June 25, additional educational drives and public announcements are planned to keep residents informed and ensure a smooth census process. As the National Bureau of Statistics ramps up efforts to engage the community, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/05/14/residents-urged-to-stay-cautious-amid-census-impersonation-reports. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (8)

  • Faithful National #1 May 14, 2025, 12:41 PM

    Is Statchel Edwards responding to calls from the public to confirm the scam alerts put out out by private indiduals with questionable agendas? Edwards has done/said no more than I would say to my neighbour: As a precaution exercise all due caution at ALL TIMES. PAY ATTENTION Antiguansband Barbudans! Don’t let desperate-for-trouble UPP operatives distract you. ALWAYS exercise care and caution in everything you do. Don’t become paralyzed by the devil’s scaremongering tactics! If you want to see fear. allow those wicked UPP devil’s to take governance of this country!!!
    Have a blessed and beautiful day!
    Reply

    • Amanda May 14, 2025, 2:13 PM

      Ahhh boi Antigua and Barbuda. And they chose to do that with the official census just around the corner. That kind of deception could create confusion and mistrust. I really hope that the authorities are monitoring the situation closely. We need to ensure that our community is safe, especially during such important events. Stay vigilant, everyone….Itzzz a crazy world we living in
      Reply

    • Rhea May 14, 2025, 2:14 PM

      How do you turn a warning to the public to something political? Make this make a lot of sense to me Faithful National.
      Reply

  • Antigua Surf May 14, 2025, 2:16 PM

    Antiguans don’t miss on an opportunity to fool a person and rob.
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons May 14, 2025, 2:57 PM

    This news is quite alarming. We had that in Antigua before. It is very sad to think that people are impersonating census workers. One came down to our place last year. It’s terrifying how easily someone can take advantage of others’ trust. I hope everyone stays alert and spreads the word to neighbors and friends. We definitely don’t want anyone falling victim to these scams!
    Reply

  • Jules May 14, 2025, 3:20 PM

    Faithful national everything is not politics and we must stop it .we have to look out for one another peace my brother in every country there is always an opposition people back who they want no vexation should be there .
    Reply

  • Juju Bee May 14, 2025, 6:00 PM

    You always have a set of people looking for opportunities to take advantage of others
    Reply

    • Unruly One May 14, 2025, 11:58 PM

      Truth. Just like many of us are working hard there are those who are hardly wordly working and are trying their best to pull a fast one on others.
      Reply

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