FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SIB Convenes Sensitization Session on Draft National Data and Statistical Systems Act, 2026

Belmopan City, August 25, 2026 – The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) organised a one-day session aimed at sensitising data-producing agencies within the National Statistical System (NSS) to the draft National Data and Statistical Systems Act, 2026, with senior representatives from these agencies in attendance. The meeting, which took place at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, allowed the various agencies to look at the key provisions of the proposed law, think about the impact that the changes would have on their roles and responsibilities, and provide feedback before the Act is finalized.

Currently, the SIB operates under the Statistical Institute of Belize Act, but no comprehensive legislation governs the broader National Statistical System. The draft National Data and Statistical Systems Act, 2026, was developed to address this gap and establish a unified legal framework for the NSS. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) provided technical support for the drafting process as part of the KOICA-funded ‘Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System’ project, which aims to strengthen the country’s statistical capacity.

The Act is meant to enhance co-operation and coordination between the various agencies that produce data and to establish the different roles these agencies have in the NSS. It includes provisions on the production, sharing, protection and use of data for statistical purposes, taking into account both recent changes in the data environment and the growing demand for timely and reliable official statistics.

The session began with a series of presentations that described the background of the draft Act and outlined its main provisions, followed by small-group discussions. After each presentation, officials from the agency examined the proposed provisions in light of their own operations, noted points requiring clarification, and made recommendations, which were then presented during a plenary session. The event concluded with a general question-and-answer period followed by a discussion on the next steps and the way forward.

By the end of the session, the agencies that took part had a better understanding of the objectives and key provisions of the proposed law, as well as the roles they are expected to play within the NSS. The questions, concerns, and requests for clarification were recorded, along with the agencies’ feedback and recommendations. The comments will be examined as the draft law proceeds towards finalisation.

For more information on the SIB and its statistical programmes, visit www.sib.org.bz.

Media Contact

Javier Romero
Communications & Marketing Officer
Statistical Institute of Belize
jromero@mail.sib.org.bz
+501 822-2207 ext. 209

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