The prime minister (left) with Governor Tim Foy
ANGUILLA--In observance of Statistics Week 2020, for which Anguilla is hosting activities from October 11 to 18, Premier Ellis Webster is urging all Anguillians to join the Caribbean and the world in recognising all statisticians and data scientists for the important role that they play. He noted that they continue to provide dedicated service during these unprecedented times to collect, compile, collate, analyse and disseminate data that can be trusted and that connects the world.
He referred to the theme of Caribbean Statistics Day (borrowed from that of World Statistics Day on October 20) this year: “Connecting the world with data we can trust”. “Data is collected in every area, such as the economy, health, tourism and all other sectors and is used to formulate policies and to make decisions that impact the lives of citizens globally. Therefore, it is important that the data collected is trustworthy and authoritative as it is a public good. Public goods are the commodities and services that benefit all members of society,” he said.
He said it is important to note that the data collected is used by students, researchers and policy makers to undertake research, to develop policy, design programmes and make decisions in every aspect of development, whether for oneself or for a country. He said the use of data is critical to the sustainable development of any country, including Anguilla.
“For example, the coronavirus pandemic has shown how important data is to track and to monitor the developments of the virus and to enable countries to make the necessary decisions to protect their citizens,” he said. “These are challenging times and therefore the data produced has to be up to date, relevant, reliable and trustworthy. Anguilla like other countries must be able to adapt to any challenge and to be able to respond as events unfold or emerge.” The premier urged everyone, when they are called upon to provide data to the Anguilla Statistics Department, to make sure that it is complete and accurate.
He reminded the public that Caribbean Statistics Day is on Thursday, October 15, and he urged all to learn everything about the importance of data.
“I extend sincere thanks to our chief statistician and her staff for their dedicated service to Anguilla and the region and wish them success in their activities. Have a wonderful Statistics Week 2020,” he concluded.
