Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick (FP)??

A government minister has underscored the need for the provision of quality statistics to redress any negative shocks to the economy, as a result of the global economic crisis.

Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick, made this assertion last Saturday, while addressing the Barbados Statistical Services’ (BSS) Awards Ceremony.?? The event was held at the Dining Club, Building No.11, Newton Industrial Park, Christ Church.

He said: "Comprehensive high quality statistics can provide for the Government, a guide to the necessary and appropriate interventions and strategies that are required to redress any negative shocks to the economy.?? Thus, statistics may also facilitate business ventures in the form of feasibility studies, forecasting and measuring market share, by using the results of censuses, surveys and other relevant data.

The Economic Affairs Minister also mentioned the benefits of government’s Modernisation Project, which aimed to: improve cooperation and the harmonisation of data across the system; enhance statistical products to improve the dissemination of key social and economic statistics and to upgrade the human capacity with the requisite training opportunities.

Dr. Estwick also noted that quality statistics not only inspired confidence in programmes and projects to be undertaken by government, but also, "painted a good picture of the social, economic, demographic and environmental issues that present challenges to the sustainability of our growth and development".

As part of the BSS’ Statistics Week, a number of long-standing staffers were rewarded for their years of service to the department. These included Roger Blades, Shawn Skinner and Cheryl Grant, who received a plaque for 10 years service; Valerie Taylor and Mervin Small, 15 years; Maxcene Codrington, 30 years and Director of BSS, Angela Hunte, 40 years.

Sadio Harris, who took the Directors Award, was also adjudged Rookie of the Year; while Michelle Brathwaite copped The Employee of the Year Award.?? In the Census and Surveys Division, Wayne Davis, was adjudged the Supervisor of the Year.

Other employees received Perfect Attendance Awards and Outstanding Performance Awards in the various divisions of the BSS.

jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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