CSO Begins Preparations For First National Census Since 2011
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) has begun preparations for Trinidad and Tobago’s first national census since 2011.
The pilot exercise is underway in several communities and will test the system’s readiness and strengthen data collection ahead of the full roll-out in 2027.
Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says the exercise will test data collection methods ahead of the 2027 roll-out, which will include a household census, a business census and an agricultural census.
« All of that will take place in the calendar year 2027. It’s also equally important to understand that having conducted the census and gathered the data, please bear in mind that that data has to be analysed. So the real information coming out of the census, having been analysed, will then take place in 2028 and possibly in 2029. »
The Minister stressed that accurate, up-to-date statistics are critical for informed decision-making.
« Too many persons are quoting all kinds of things, but the data that they’re quoting from sometimes is outdated, or oftentimes as accurate as we could make it, but not as accurate as you would like it to be. Hence the reason why you have to have a baseline data, you have to have a framework in which you can distil and analyse the data that is collected. »
Similarly, Director of Statistics at the CSO Bruce Spencer noted that the pilot will ensure the CSO is better equipped to carry out the nationwide exercise.
« It provides the CSO with an opportunity to evaluate the census questionnaire, field procedures, data collection systems, training arrangements, logistics and other operational processes that will support the successful conduct of the national census. Through this pilot, we will be able to identify what works well, determine when improvements are needed and address potential challenges before the full census operation. »
The findings are set to support economic, development and environmental planning, while providing reliable data for international partners and rating agencies.
The pilot census will run until December 16th, with the full national census expected to begin in early 2027.
