The COVID-19 pandemic has made our lives very different, but in many ways, has reinforced the strength and resilience of our country and notably of our Civil Service.  We have come together to ensure the vital work that we provide the country is being executed at the same high standards that we have delivered in the past; adopted modernised practices such as remote working; and ultimately, maintaining a World Class Civil Service.

As you are all aware, the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) has embarked on one of our country’s most crucial statistical exercises: the Census 2021. This is the Cayman Islands’ single largest statistical exercise, producing raw data to advise and inform government planning in the short, medium and long term. We will get a picture, not only of the population, but also of housing stock and so much more.

By now, you may be aware that for the first time, questions cover aspects such as disability, crime, literacy, poverty, agriculture and fishing activities, renewable energy production, and environmentally friendly activities, which will provide us with long-needed and vital data. This information will enable us to facilitate plans for humanitarian and disaster-recovery purposes.

As always, no individual’s personal census data will ever be shared by the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO). Confidentiality is a priority with all of ESO’s Labour Force Surveys, which, incidentally, have one of the highest response rates in the region.

I know many civil servants have been actively involved in the planning stages, which began years ago.  Census Advisory Committee members helped formulate the census questionnaire, drew up Enumeration Area maps, and developed a strategy and action plan to ensure a smooth operation.

And even now, the education campaign for the census continues and will carry forward into November since the goal is to capture all households, which will take time.

Enumerators are mainly civil servants in the districts knocking on doors across all districts of our islands. Enumerators: Thank you for taking on this mammoth task.

But are we equally ready to welcome Enumerators when they knock and be prepared to answer their questions?
Knowing the importance and confidential nature of the data we will capture, I am sure that all civil service personnel will be model interviewees so that we can do our part in this important exercise. Let’s continue to be Caymankind and cooperate with your Enumerator while encouraging others to do the same.

Enumerators are adhering to the established COVID-19 protocols in an effort to keep themselves and the community safe. You can help by wearing a mask and maintaining a safe distance while participating in Census 2021.

Let us play our parts in getting to know our islands better. It will only help us as we work and as we advance into the future.

I wish the Census Team every success for a smooth and productive census exercise.