1 month ago
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Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett has underscored the crucial role of statistics in advancing regional development, noting that the Community has reached the midpoint of its 12-year Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (RSDS).
In a message marking Caribbean Statistics Day 2025, observed under the theme “Improving Lives through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together,” Dr. Barnett highlighted that the occasion also coincides with the conclusion of the 2024–2025 Year of Statistics in CARICOM, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians.
She said the past year placed renewed focus on standards, harmonisation, and the integration of national statistical systems. Among the initiatives now being institutionalised are the CARICOM Quality Assurance Framework, the CARICOM Code of Good Statistical Practices, and the Generic Statistical Business Process Model, which guides the full lifecycle of statistical activities.
“CARICOM is at the midpoint of implementing the 12-year Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics, which provides a clear roadmap with mechanisms to strengthen statistical systems, ensuring that accurate and timely data inform decision-making,” Dr. Barnett said.
She noted that member governments are working to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks while investing in financial, technical, and human resources to bolster National Statistical Offices. This includes embracing digital transformation to modernise operations.
Acknowledging that “the journey ahead is as critical as the progress behind us,” Dr. Barnett called for continued regional collaboration to close data gaps and maintain high statistical standards.
“On Caribbean Statistics Day, we therefore recommit to strengthening national and regional statistical processes to ensure timely and accurate data for decision-making, in keeping with our theme this year,” she said.
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