THE ROAD TO THE DESIGN OF A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICS IN GRENADA

1. THE ROAD TO THE DESIGN OF A NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICSIN GRENADA THE 6TH REGIONAL STATISTICAL RESEARCH SEMINAR 1 NOVEMBER 2013

2. PRE-LAUNCH OF NSDS

3. The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics is a strategic planning process. • Enables developing countries to build a reliable statistical system. • Results in a statistical system producing the data necessary to design, implement, and monitor national development policies and programmes. Background to NSDS (What?)

4. The increasing demand for statistical information • Limited statistical capacity • The urgency of meeting the demands of the national, regional and international community. • Lack of appreciation among Grenadians at many levels of the role, power and importance of statistics as a strategic resource for planning decision making, good governance, accountability and management. The Need for NSDS for Grenada (Why?)

5. Low priority given to statistical production • the “vicious cycle” of underfunding and underdevelopment. • Consequences: • Limited organisational & institutional development • Limited quantity and quality of statistical data. • Ultimate Result • Decrease demand for data • eventually leads right back to the further underfunding of statistical production. • small size of the statistical office, • inadequate infrastructure • limited opportunities for training and development of staff. • non-response to surveys and data request, • An uncoordinated NSS, • Out-dated legislative framework and • Statistics not responsive to a changing environment and more specifically changes in the economy. The Need for NSDS for Grenada (Why?)

6. LAUNCH OF NSDS

7. Participants/ Stakeholders: • Users, producers & suppliers of statistical data within the national statistical system: Representing a wide cross section of the economy (Private & Public sector, NGO) • CARICOM Secretariat, PARIS21, ECCB and STATIN • A total of 73 persons • Rational for large size of conference: • Important for mass sensitisation and to garner buy in to NSDS from the start • To develop interest and support for Official Statistics in Grenada. National Consultation to Launch NSDS April 24,2012

8. Mr.HalimBrizan, CSO: Status of Statistics in Grenada • Dr.Philomen Harrison, CARICOM: Statistical Development and Support in CARICOM • Ms. Sonia Jackson, STATIN: The Jamaican Experience with Strategic Planning • Mr. ERIC Bensil, PARIS 21: On What is NSDS and Why it is important Presentations

9. The Main Gaps of the National Statistical System NSS in Grenada - User Perspective • Priority Needs of Producing Agencies within the NSS • Coordination of the NSS • Reform and Restructuring for an Effective National Statistical System (NSS) by Revising the Institutional and Legislative Framework • Statistical Advocacy Group Discussions

10. Are we producing the statistics that users need (relevance), when they need them (timeliness)? Group 1: The Main Gaps of the National Statistical System NSS in Grenada - User Perspective

11. Data needs •  Labour Market Indicators • Statistics on disabled population • Migration • Human Behaviour • Providing regular progress updates to the public (public accountability) • Make available more disaggregated data. Priority Needs of Users

12. Resource • Competent human resource • Training: short term specialised training courses or Degree/ scholarship • Financial assistance • IT: computer equipment (Software and Hardware) • Sound Statistical Methodology • Improved data collection techniques • Improved data analysis competencies • CSO to take leading role in Coordinating the NSS • Updated and enforced statistical legislation • More Education and awareness about statistics • Development of statistical analysis in the school curriculum • Additional incentives to pursue careers in statistics • Utilise all forms of Media for public sensitisation Group 2: Priority Needs of Producing Agencies within the NSS

13. National Statistical Advisory Committee: • Established schedule of regular meetings to discuss specific needs and challenges. • Pooling Resources: • Increases financing of statistics and eliminates of duplication of resources. • Eliminates the issue of conflicting data • Increases cooperation among producers Group3: Coordination of the NSSMechanisms to Improve Collaboration and Coordination Among Agencies

14. Conduct frequent user needs assessment and communicate results to producers (Gap analysis) • Conduct producer assessment-methods and procedures, adherence to international standards, constraints and problems (Gap analysis) • Undertake public awareness campaign that enhances persons understanding of frequently used statistical terms to ensure greater efficiency in the submission of data and the interpretation of the information. • Establishment of a Public Relations Officer position within the CSO • Ensure officers within the CSO and stakeholders are aware of the mission and vision of the NSS and how they fit into this mission in ensuring a well coordinated system. Mechanisms to Improve Collaboration and Coordination Among Agencies

15. Autonomy vs. Dependence • In favour of transforming CSO into a Statutory body • Ensure integrity of data and unbiased reporting • Eliminate government interference in statistical process • Raises the profile of statistics and will attract more experienced and qualified persons suitable for these job types. • Increase in services provided. • Anticipate higher productivity by staff • Greater credibility and accuracy of data and dataset increases requests (increased demand) • Create a small stream of revenue. Group 4: Reform and Restructuring for an Effective National Statistical System (NSS) by Revising the Institutional and Legislative Framework

16. High start up cost may be needed: • Additional burden on a already contracting economy • Inadequate revenue hence dependence on government financial resources, which may hinder the speed of growth of the institution ‘Statutorisation’: Challenges Foreseen

17. Independence of the CSO • Organisational Structure, authority and powers • Storage of information • Confidentiality, privacy, safety of confidential data information • Non-disclosure/disclosure of Information • Stiffer penalties for non-compliance. • Flexibility to incorporate future changes to allow statistics to be responsive to changing environment • Reporting mandates and clear coordination mechanisms Revision of Statistical Act 1960- Contents of New Statistical legislation.

18. Presentation to Cabinet (political will- highly important) • Use of media techniques • Have Workshops for specific users • Identification of Champions for statistics to deliver key messages- in public, private sector and informal sector. • Examples: • Persons who are currently key users • Key influential persons in society • Minister for Finance • Professional organizations • Universities (SGU, UWI) • Policy makers Statistical AdvocacyMethods of Reaching the Target Audience with the Key Messages of Advocacy

19. Better Coordination (highly recommended) • A common issue in all the groups. • Conclusion that better coordination would reduce the gap between users and producers of statistics and correct many of the inefficiencies plaguing the NSS. • The revision of Statistical Act is also of paramount importance to the effective functioning of the NSS. • It was an issue arising in other groups apart from the assigned group of ‘reform and restructuring’ • Increased advocacy • Unanimously agreed upon as an important action for the future of statistics • Need for additional IT and Human resources and increased capacity building • Also common issue arising in group discussion as way forward for improvement Key Issues Emanating from Consultations

20. Consensus on the most important issues to address in the context of NSDS. • Identification of Champions of Statistics among the participants • Greater appreciation of the challenges within the CSO and NSS among stakeholders • Stakeholders commitment to support the strategic design process Benefits of the Consultation

21. POST LAUNCH OF THE NSDS

22. Shift in focus & Loss of attention on NSDS for some time • Reasons (1) Priorities • Devoting all efforts into the production of census results 2011, the completion of ICP project, the hosting of the 37thSCCS and LFS 2013. • Election and change in administration –New government settling into office. Late budget call. (2) Resources • Shortage of Staff: Reduced staff compared to an increasing work load. Post the NSDS Consultation

23. Need to capitalize early on momentum from the consultation, the positive responses from participants and promised support of the stakeholders. • Political will is critical to the success of the NSDS. • Need for Ministry of Finance Management team on board • Need to target the senior managers board to gain consensus • Need for an officer dedicated to NSDS besides the Director (a champion within the CSO) Lessons Learnt

24. Submission and Presentation to Cabinet about the need for and benefits of NSDS for Grenada including report from NSDS Launch. • Identification of Champions at the top and targeting them • Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, no. 1 champion • Minister for Economic Development and Planning • Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance • Recruit Consultant for NSDS to assist in steering process • Having a series of key stakeholder visits to be followed by a national consultation to reflect the findings. The Way Forward

25. The Way Forward A National Consultation to present the findings of stakeholders visit. Incorporation of Statistics Canada project as a component to the NSDS. To get consensus on the Road Map Writing of Strategy Paper to be facilitated by consultant Implementation of plan

26. Thank You