About Us

Regional Statistics Programme

The Regional Statistics Programme is responsible for the compilation, management, and dissemination of statistical information for the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Data are submitted to the Secretariat by the Member States, generally through their National Statistics Office or Central Bank, depending on the nature of the data. In instances where Member States are unable to provide data, reliable third-party sources may be employed.

The data collected serve multiple purposes, including the maintenance of comprehensive databases, the production of statistical reports, and the provision of targeted information for analytical and policy-oriented applications.

Central Repository

A key feature of the Regional Statistics Programme is the establishment and maintenance of a central repository. This repository functions as a consolidated hub for statistical data, methodologies, metadata, and publications from all Member States. By providing a single point of access, the repository facilitates the dissemination of harmonised information, promotes transparency, and supports comparative analysis across the Region. 

The central repository will also serve as a critical resource for capacity development. By granting Member States access to standardised methodologies, historical datasets, and metadata, the repository enables knowledge sharing, the adoption of best practices, and the strengthening of statistical capabilities throughout the Region.

Online Databases

The Programme seeks to provide researchers and policymakers with open access to selected datasets. These datasets, available through the central repository, are primarily presented as “marked-up” spreadsheets, which can be downloaded and subsequently opened using standard spreadsheet software. Frequently published datasets include National Accounts, Balance of Payments, Trade in Services, with coverage for the most recent three-year period. Longer historical series may be accessed via the Publications section or obtained directly from the Programme upon request.

Publications

In addition to maintaining databases, the Regional Statistics Programme produces a range of statistical reports. These, alongside certain publications issued by National Statistical Offices, are made available free of charge in PDF or HTML formats (some may require Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Publications are also stored in the central repository, available on CD-ROM, and published on the Programme’s website. Requests for physical copies incur a nominal fee to cover postage and materials.

Methodologies

A central objective of the Regional Statistics Programme is the production of harmonised statistics across the CARICOM Region. Such harmonisation is essential for the effective functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), as it facilitates reliable cross-national comparisons.

To this end, the Programme systematically collects and compiles the statistical methodologies employed by all Member States and develops a core dataset to be produced region wide. Comprehensive metadata are gathered, evaluated, and stored within the central repository to ensure comparability, consistency, and accessibility.

Dissemination of these methodologies strengthens regional expertise, enhances statistical capacity, and promotes the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of statistics at both national and regional levels. This process encourages Member States to document their methodologies rigorously, adopt best practices, and leverage shared experiences to improve their in-house statistical operations.

Capacity Development

Capacity development is a fundamental component of the Regional Statistics Programme. Through workshops, training initiatives, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing projects, the Programme seeks to enhance the statistical competencies of personnel in Member States. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and the adoption of harmonised methodologies.

The central repository when fully implemented, will support these initiatives by providing Member Countries with access to high-quality datasets, metadata and methodological guidance. This integrated approach facilitates professional development, institutional strengthening, and the production of high-quality, timely and comparable statistics across the Region.

Meetings and Collaborative Initiatives

The Regional Statistics Programme supports Member States in strengthening statistical capabilities by organising workshops, training sessions, and regional or national projects. In collaboration with development partners, the Programme ensures that collaborative initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of each country, enhancing the impact and sustainability of capacity-building efforts. Information on previous and forthcoming meetings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives can be found on the Programme’s website.

Statistics Acts

The collection of official statistics necessitates the existence of formal legislation to authorise and regulate the process. Such legislation delineates procedures, codes of conduct, confidentiality protections, and penalties, thereby constituting a critical component of governance within national statistical systems.

In light of evolving data demands, globalisation, and rapid advances in information and communication technology, the review and modernisation of Statistics Acts across Member States is of paramount importance. Ensuring legislative adequacy is essential for maintaining statistical systems that are robust, responsive and aligned with contemporary international standards and best practice.