1
NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICS: THE CASE OF ST.KITTS & NEVIS
6th Regional Statistics SeminarNovember 1st, 2013
St. Kitts Marriott, Frigate Bay
Beverly Harris
2
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Statistical Unit established in 1966A unit within the Ministry of Trade and
Industry.Prior to that the Customs Department was
responsible for the collection and processing of trade data
3
Trade and tourism statistics collected in the early years
1971 Statistical Act identified the areas to be collected
Act also outlined the duties of the department
4
AREAS COVEREDECONOMIC & FINANCIAL
STATS Demography Social Statistics
Other Statistics Environ-ment Census
and Surveys, ITC
5
Characteristics of Existing SystemFragmentedSeveral Legislations governing collection of
dataVarying levels of IT and statistical capacitiesExistence of “turfs” in data collection and
hence reluctance to share.Collection of a wide array of data Often times data flow is one way.
MISSIONTO PRODUCE TIMELY, RELIABLE
AND ACCURATE DATA
RELATING TO THE POPULATION RESOURCES, ECONOMY, SOCIETY AND CULTURAL INFORMATION ON VARIOUS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDICATORS
VISION
TO BE A KEY PROVIDER OF GOOD QUALITY INFORMATION AND IN SO DOING RAISE THE LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE FEDERATION IN MATTERS RELATING TO STATISTICS
8
Attitudes to Sharing of DataLine Ministries : may be reluctant to share
administrative data with other line ministriesHouseholds : May be reluctant to share some
information.Business entities : May not respond to
surveys and questionnaires: Low response rate
10
Outcomes/Recommendations from National and Regional meetings• The revision of the statistical act• Establishment of an Advisory Board• Autonomy of the Statistics Department
• Establishment of a National Statistical System
11
Development of a National Strategy for Statistics
An ongoing system of advocacyA review of resources needed for an efficient
systemAn evaluation of the human resource needs
12
What exactly is a NSDS?
The following three slides are taken from Paris 21 and provides the definition, principles and design methodology of a NSDS.
The National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) is:
A reference document converting the statistical priorities of the country into a detailed work program over 5-10 years.
A participatory process requiring: - dialogue between all actors- commitment at high political
level
A strategic management tool and coordination framework
Based on the PARIS Declaration principles
Marrakech Action PlanBusan Action Plan
A collective effort with strong country leadership – country-
driven
NSDS
More than 100 countries (IDA and lower to middle-income) have embarked in
an NSDS process.
NSDS PRINCIPLES
Progressive, with several steps
Participatory
Integrated – all the sectors
Realistic
Country-driven - appropriation
Meets the statistical demand of national strategies and plans
Its content is specific to the country
Provides data necessary to design, implement and monitor national development policies and plans
NSDS DESIGN METHODOLOGY
3. WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Current situation
4. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?
Mission/vision
5. HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Strategies/Actions
6. GETTING THERE
Implementation, monitor./eval.
Statistical
capacity
1. POLITICAL COMMITMENT
2. ROADMAP
3. WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Current situation
4. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?
Mission/vision
5. HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Strategies/Actions
6. GETTING THERE
Implementation, monitor./eval.
Statistical
capacity
2. ROADMAP
17
CORE AREAS
Data GapsStatistical NeedsChallenges and
Opportunities
Reform & Restructuring
Advocacy
19
MOVING ON
Following the Launch the next step is the Preparation of the Road Map.
This establishes a consistent and coherent mechanism to be used in the formulation of the NSDS.
20
Road Map Components
Basis for context and justification
Objectives and expected resultsThe formulation of the NSDS in
the framework of existing development programmes
Methodology and organisationTasks Budget, resources and sources
of financeMonitoring and review
mechanisms
21
Administrative, structural, legislative, technical and cultural changes must occur for the successful implementation of a NSDS.