Regional Statistics Programme (RSP)
| About Us The Regional Statistics Programme (RSP) of the CARICOM Secretariat collaborates with several development partners to strengthen statistical capacity in CARICOM Member States and at the Secretariat. This enables the provision of harmonised, high-quality statistical information for decision-making. Harmonised statistical information guides, monitors and supports the assessment of human and economic development within the Community, particularly in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The RSP compiles and disseminate statistical information on the member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Member countries make data available to the Secretariat, either through their National Statistical Offices or Central Banks, depending on the nature of the data. Occasionally, when data is not readily available from these sources, other third-party sources may be utilised. The data collected is used for multiple purposes, including updating databases, producing statistical reports and providing specific data for analysis and decision-making. Databases online An attempt has been made to provide users with free access to selected datasets. These data are basically in ‘marked up’ spreadsheets and can be saved as HTML files which can later be opened by any popular spreadsheet software. Some of the datasets maintained are National Accounts, Balance of Payments and Trade in Services and data on the latest three years available are provided. Longer time series can be downloaded from our publications section or can be requested from our office directly. Publications In addition to the databases maintained, the Regional Statistics Programme also produces several statistical reports. These reports, along with some publications produced by National Statistical Offices, are available free of charge in PDF or HTML format. However, some reports may require the use of the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read. The publications are available on CD-ROM, but requests for these would incur a nominal cost for postage and consumables. Methodologies Key elements of the Regional Statistics Work Programme (RSWP) aims to produce harmonised statistics for the CARICOM Region by collecting, compiling and disseminating statistical methodologies from Member States. Harmonised statistics is crucial for establishing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and enabling reliable comparisons across all Member States. Additionally, a core set of data is necessary to be produced by all Member States in the Region. To make this common data set meaningful, efforts are made to collect and evaluate supporting metadata. By exposing these methodologies, expertise will be diffused throughout the region, strengthening statistical collection and compilation capabilities. This process also allows for reviewing and evaluating methodologies to achieve harmonisation and improve the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of statistics at the national and regional levels. Ultimately, this process enhances data quality, integrity and closes the gap in methodological differences and capabilities by encouraging Member States to document their methodologies and learn from their experiences in statistical data compilation. Meetings The RSP’s primary function is to support Member States in enhancing their statistical capabilities. It facilitates the coordination of regional statistical activities and supports the functioning of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS), the highest decision-making body for the CARICOM statistical system. The RSP convenes annual meetings of the SCCS and other subsidiary bodies and groups. Donor support enables the RSP to provide funding and organise workshops and statistical projects at regional and national levels. Information about past and upcoming meetings and workshops is available on our website. Statistics Acts The collection of official statistics must be underpinned by legislation that authorises and legitimises the process. This legal framework sets out the procedures, codes of conduct, confidentiality safeguards, and penalties that govern the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data. It is, therefore, a critical component in the effective management and governance of national statistical systems. In response to increasing demands for data driven by globalisation and rapid advancements in information and communication technology, reviewing and compiling the Statistics Acts of Member States provides a valuable starting point. This exercise assists in identifying areas where national statistical systems may require reform or modernisation to remain responsive, relevant and resilient in an evolving data landscape. The CARICOM Statistics Model Bill is a legislative template developed to assist Member States in establishing or modernising their national statistical systems in line with international best practices and regional standards. It provides a comprehensive legal framework for the governance of official statistics, aiming to strengthen the credibility, independence and efficiency of statistical operations across the Caribbean Community. |