PHILIPSBURG--The Department of Statistics STAT says its Household Budget Survey is “making good progress” and is about sixty per cent completed.
The department said it is relying on the continuous cooperation of households for the remainder of the data-collection phase. The survey began on April 1, and is slated to continue to the end of October.
“STAT remains pleased with the level of cooperation received from participating households thus far, as well as the efforts of its survey team including field interviewers,” STAT said in a press release issued late Sunday.
The Household Budget Survey is being carried out amongst a random sample of approximately 1,000 households in St. Maarten. The department has not yet successfully contacted all households which form part of the sample selection, in order to schedule their participation.
“As STAT prepares for the final weeks of the survey, it is informing the general public that the department is still in the process of approaching these households and confirming the exact period for the survey to be completed,” the release said.
The survey aims to capture recent data on household income, as well as past and present expenditures. Remaining selected households can expect to give input on the survey over a two-week period.
“This involves providing details of their expenditure on several categories of goods and services. This part is recorded via tablets.” Additionally, STAT will also provide an Expense Diary to the household, where all spending over the 14 days should be noted, and corresponding receipts kept.
STAT urges the public to “fully comply” with both components of “this important survey,” as it is conducted only once in every five to seven years. The data collected forms the basis to renew Consumer Price Index (cost of living) calculations more in line with current realities. “This can only be achieved with the thorough responses from all participants.”
STAT said participation in the survey is mandatory by law according to Statistics Ordinance AB 2013, GT no.450. STAT said the data provided will be handled in strict confidence and for the sole purpose of producing statistical information.
STAT thanked its partners Le Grand Marche, Sunny Foods, Cost U Less, TelEm and United Telecommunications Services (UTS) for the opportunity to offer households redeemable vouchers following their successful completion.
