Press Release
Today, October 15th, 2021, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) joins other national statistical offices across the region in observing Caribbean Statistics Day. This marks the 13th Anniversary of this event, which is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Leave No One Behind…Everyone Counts!’. In the context of the upcoming Population and Housing Census in Belize, this year’s theme is most relevant, as the Census aims to count every single resident in our country.
Caribbean Statistics Day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of statistics in making informed decisions. The timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of data are of critical importance in this era of social and economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In keeping with its mandate to provide accurate, reliable and timely statistical information for effective policy and decision making, the SIB conducted several data collection activities over the past year to measure the impact of the pandemic on businesses, employment, and poverty. The Institute also publishes monthly economic statistics on merchandise trade and the consumer price index. Statistics on the gross domestic product are published every quarter.
In May 2022, data collection will commence for the Population and Housing Census. The Census will provide updated information on the country’s housing stock and about the population as it relates to employment, health, and poverty among other things. Information from the Census will also be used to measure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and other national and international development indicators.
As part of our safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Institute will be celebrating Statistics Day virtually. The public is invited to visit our website and Facebook page to view pre-recorded presentations from several of our partners in the National Statistical System highlighting the importance of the statistics that they produce.
We wish to thank all the agencies for participating in this event and all residents and other data providers from whom we have obtained valuable information to produce timely and relevant statistics pertaining to the country’s economic, demographic and social conditions.
From everyone at the Statistical Institute of Belize, we encourage you to continue adhering to the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ COVID-19 safety guidelines. Stay safe!
