HIGH LEVEL FORUM ON STATISTICS

RADISSON BEACH RESORTGRAND ANSEST. GEORGE’S

GRENADA

THE NEED FOR A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT IN GRENADA

Presentation Outline

The National Statistical System (NSS)National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (What?

And Why?)Assessing the State of the NSS in Grenada: CSO Challenges

& National ConsultationKey issues emanating from consultation and benefits of

consultationChallenges post National Consultation and lessons learntThe way forward

COMPOSITION

THE NATIONAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM IN GRENADA

The National Statistical System

The statistical system in Grenada is made up of Many Players who will fall into three major categories:-users, producers and suppliers of information.

At the core of this system is the Central Statistical Office (CSO) the department that has the legal mandate to collect, produce and disseminate official statistics.

Key producers of statistics

Central Statistical Office (Core)Central Government (Ministries and Departments)

Finance Agriculture Health Education Labour Police (RGPF )

Public National Insurance Scheme Grenada Tourism Athority

Users of Statistics

Central GovernmentMinistry of Finance & EnergyMinistry of Economic Development, Planning, Trade and

CooperativesOther Ministries- planning officersRegional organisations- ECCB, CARICOM,OECS, CDB etc.International- IMF, World Bank , United Nations, ILO etc.Civil society- NGOs, organisations, churches etc.Students and educational institutionsResearchersPrivate and Public institutionsGeneral Public

Suppliers

Public and private Institutions and establishmentsOrganisations, groups and embassies. Government Ministries department and agenciesHouseholds

(WHAT? AND WHY?)

NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICS

Background to NSDS (What?)

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.

The Need for NSDS for Grenada (Why?)

The increasing demand for statistical informationLimited statistical capacityThe urgency of meeting the demands of the national,

regional and international community.Lack of appreciation among persons 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?)

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.

CHALLENGES OF THE CSO IN GRENADA

AND

THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE NSDS

ASSESSING THE STATE OF THE NSS IN GRENADA

Major Challenges of Central Statistical Office in Grenada and Consequences

Outdated Statistical System Low compliance, no enforcement of Act, Increase Moral suasion and burden on

limited office staff.Little Coordination

Duplication of resource/efforts, production of conflicting data, no established metadata or little harmonisation of metadata, increased burden on CSO. Wrong interpretation of statistics can lead to misguided policies.

Insufficient and underdeveloped human and infrastructural resources Inability to respond efficiently to data users request, Infrequent and inconsistent

undertaking of surveys, inability to produce survey results in a timely mannerLow levels of Advocacy

Non response to surveys, statistical underfunding, little use of statistics produced by public and for evidence based planning, lack of appreciation for statistics produced.

National Consultation to Launch NSDS 24 April 2012

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.

Group Discussions

The Main Gaps of the National Statistical System NSS in Grenada - User Perspective

Priority Needs of Producing Agencies within the NSSCoordination of the NSS Reform and Restructuring for an Effective National

Statistical System (NSS) by Revising the Institutional and Legislative Framework

Statistical Advocacy

Group 1: The Main Gaps of the National Statistical System NSS in Grenada - User Perspective

Timeliness

• Data not very timely• Late response to survey• Untimely submission of other producers to CSO

Relevance

• Statistics not targeted to needs of users• Not a wide variety of stats produced to meet needs of everyone (E.g LFS, Health, Literacy, SLC)

Reliability

• Statistical data produced by CSO are fairly reliable e.g economic statistics and household survey data.

Are we producing the statistics that users need (relevance), when they need them (timeliness)?

Priority Needs of Users

Data needs  Labour Market Indicators Statistics on population with disability Migration Human Behaviour

Providing regular progress updates to the public (public accountability)

Make available more disaggregated data.

Group 2: Priority Needs of Producing Agencies within the NSS

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 NSSUpdated and enforced statistical legislationMore 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 3: Coordination of the NSS - Challenges

Breakdown in the linkage between the other producers of statistics and the CSO. As a result data is not timely and readily available.

Lack of awareness of data needs of users Confidentiality concerns: Due to lack of knowledge of how

information is disseminated and what it is used for, producers may be reluctant in providing requested information.

Absence of adequate Human Resources: Staffing IssuesArchaic legislative and regulatory framework governing the

linkage and coordination arrangements within the NSSOutdated statistical software

Coordination of the NSS - Challenges

The absence of a standard template/ generic format for the submission of data by various producers

Absence of user-friendly information disseminated to usersCSO’s lack of understanding of Users’ needsInsufficient use of automated systems: manual production of

information is often inaccurate, time consuming and expensive

Ad hoc requests from usersAbsence of dissemination of regular scheduled reports

similar to the CSO digest of the past (release calendar)Absence of regular submission of data by producers to CSO

generate regular scheduled reports.

Group3: Coordination of the NSS

• 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

Mechanisms to Improve Collaboration and Coordination Among Agencies

Mechanisms to Improve Collaboration and Coordination Among Agencies

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 CSOEnsure 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.

Group 4: Reform and Restructuring for an Effective National Statistical System (NSS)

Revising the Institutional and Legislative Framework

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.

‘Statutorisation’: Challenges Foreseen

High start up cost may be needed: Additional burden in difficult economic times in light structural

adjustment Need to Source external funding

Inadequate revenue hence dependence on government financial resources, which may hinder the speed of growth of the institution

Revision of Statistical Act 1960- Contents of New Statistical legislation

Independence of the CSOOrganisational Structure, authority and powersStorage of informationConfidentiality, privacy, safety of confidential data

informationNon-disclosure/disclosure of InformationStiffer penalties for non-compliance.Flexibility to incorporate future changes to allow

statistics to be responsive to changing environment Reporting mandates and clear coordination

mechanisms

Group 5: Statistical Advocacy- Key Messages and Target Audience

Role and importance of Statistics in improving development outcomes

Evidence-based policy/ integration of statistics into policy frameworks

Role of statistics for better allocation of resources The importance of data providers in an effective NSSAppropriate and sustained financing of the NSS What’s in it for me? How can better statistics benefit me or

my organisation?

-Policy Maker, Senior

Managers-Regional and InternationalOrganisation

s

Statisticians and data producers

Government, Donors, Regional and international organisations

Education Institutions and General Public

Statistical AdvocacyMethods of Reaching the Target Audience with the Key Messages of Advocacy

Presentation to Cabinet (political will- highly important)Use of media techniquesHave 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 Prime Minister and Minister for Finance & Energy Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Trade and Cooperatives Professional organizations Universities (SGU, UWI) Policy makers

Key Issues Emanating from Consultation and Benefits of

Consultation

Key Issues Emanating from Consultations

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

Benefits of the Consultation

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

CHALLENGES POST CONSULTATION AND LESSONS LEARNT

Post NSDS Consultation

Shift in focus & Loss of attention on NSDS for some timeReasons(1) Priorities

Devoting all efforts into the production of census results 2011, the completion of ICP project, the hosting of the 37th SCCS 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.

Lessons Learnt

Need to capitalize early on momentum from the consultation, the positive responses from participants and promised support of the stakeholders.

The Key issues emanating from the group session is indicative of the need for a Strategic approach to statistical development

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 consensusNeed for an officer dedicated to NSDS besides the Director (a

champion within the CSO)

THE WAY FORWARD

The Way Forward

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

Formation of a national steering committee for statisticsFormation of a national steering Committee to drive processSeek funding to recruit consultant for NSDS to assist in steering

process forwardHaving a series of key stakeholder visits to be followed by a

national consultation to reflect the findings.

The Way Forward

A National Consultation to present the findings of stakeholders visit.

Incorporation of Statistics Canada project (ISFP) as a component to the NSDS.

To get consensus on the Road MapWriting of Strategy Paper to be facilitated by consultantImplementation of plan

Thank You