Get counted for Census 2011

17.JUN.11

The process of conducting a comprehensive census of the national population began on Tuesday of this week. It was preceded by a publicity campaign, including a slogan which, judging by the response of children, has certainly had some resonance. It is a whole decade since St. Vincent and the Grenadines last had a census.{{more}} That exercise was conducted in the contentious year of 2001, and there remain questions surrounding the results of that exercise.

Some of the census problems originate from sheer ignorance as to the importance of the exercise, but there is also an additional factor in small societies like ours – the impact of political polarization. Many official government surveys face this problem with some citizens refusing to cooperate if they do not support or are unhappy with the national administration.

This is a real pity, because a census is a very essential, and costly, exercise which has huge implications for economic and social planning, and for serving as an accurate guide to the development of policies relevant to the demographics and socio-economic life of a country. Its significance cannot be over-stated, so we will join in the appeal of Director of Planning Laura Anthony-Browne and her staff for the fullest cooperation of all. We would also wish to suggest that over the next decade, care is taken in our school curriculum to ensure that the young ones are properly educated in this regard.

A properly conducted and well-focused census is a vital tool in development planning. It reveals the size of the population, growth patterns, educational and social levels etc. It enables planners to make realistic assessments of poverty levels, the rate of economic and social progress, which areas need priority treatment, and so on. These are all key elements of any development plan, and critical for forward planning.

SVG is not unique in the conduct of the 2011 Census, and the results produced by our own process will feed into those from similar exercises worldwide. They will provide multi-lateral institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Food and Agricultural organisation with solid information which can also serve as indicators, such as where each country stands in the effort to attain the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

Global surveys for 2010 have already given valuable indicators. Population-wise for instance, at mid-year 2010, the total population of the world was estimated at 6,852,472,823 (over 6.8 billion) persons and is projected to reach 7 billion by 2012. This would be seven times what the world’s population was a century ago. While China is still the world’s most populous nation, the population of India (1.15 billion in 2010) is expected to surpass China’s, and to be the largest by 2030.

These are not empty figures because they tell us about what resources will be needed, where they will be most needed, and the like. Similarly, our Census will be able to tell us if our population is growing, at what rate, what are the growth areas, where schools and clinics would be most needed. It should also give a clearer indication so as to settle persistent quarrels around the Voters’ List which persist because of the discrepancies between the size of the total population and the number of persons above the age of 18.

So, as the Census advertisement says, ‘Your Number is important to us’ (the Census Department), but moreso to the entire country. That is why we urge one and all to cooperate and ensure we are all counted in the 2011 Census.