The United Nations has proclaimed 2013 as the International Year of Statistics

“In view of the powerful and far-reaching effects of statistics in everyday life, we are pleased to join this world-wide celebration of the International Year of Statistics,” announced the Premier and Minister for Finance, District Administration, Works, Lands & Agriculture, the Hon. Juliana O’Connor Connolly.

In addition to the United Nations Statistical Commission, the CARICOM Statistics Secretariat is also spearheading the regional celebration throughout the Caribbean. “We have three goals for the celebration,” stated the CARICOM Statistics Project Director, Dr. Philomen Harrison. “First, we seek to increase the awareness of the power and impact of statistics on all aspects of society. Second, we also desire to nurture statistics as a profession, especially among young people. And third, we need to promote creativity and development in the sciences of probability and statistics,” she added.

In the Cayman Islands, the Economics and Statistics Office is launching the celebration with awareness activities for the youth. On March 6th, Radio Cayman’s Youth Flex programme will feature an interview on the consumer price index statistics. On March 7th , there will be a half-day seminar on economic statistics for high school students of the Cayman Prep and High School. The seminar also includes a presentation on fiscal balances by the Budget and Management Unit.

“I am pleased to note that Cayman is launching the celebration in a very practical and educational way. This is also in line with the theme for the Year – Statistics in Everyday Life: Let us Educate and Appreciate,” said the Premier.

Other local activities in celebration of the 2013 International Year of Statistics are being planned to take place throughout the year. This includes the launch of the National Statistical Coordination Committee, a network of entities in the public sector that will aim to work together for a more efficient statistical system in the Cayman Islands.