Saint Lucia is firmly advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) initiative.
Key personnel and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors have played critical roles in shaping this modification, which serves as a definitive National Blueprint for the country.
Sean Mathurin, Director of Statistics, emphasized that while it was a challenging process, it was ultimately a productive endeavor.
“This journey commenced in 2019, with initial support from PARIS 21 and ongoing assistance from the World Bank,” he stated at the NSDS media launch on Thursday.
“What started as a vision from the leadership of the Central Statistical Office has evolved through determination, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment from our staff, stakeholders, and development partners into a comprehensive strategy that will guide the growth and modernization of our NSDS,” Mathurin added.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s data collection program. Mathurin made it clear: “We are not merely launching a document; we are honoring the collective determination, resilience, and vision that made this achievement possible.”
He asserted, “This strategy will guide the production, coordination, and effective use of high-quality statistics to support evidence-based policy making, national development, and public accountability.”
In a time when data-driven compliance is essential for national development, Mathurin highlighted that “the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret accurate statistics is non-negotiable. Timely, relevant, and reliable data is the cornerstone of every effective policy decision, economic strategy, and sustainable development.”
He confirmed that this initiative is supported by both internal and external factors, underscored by strict government oversight ensuring “financial and institutional support at the highest level of government.”
The NSDS key components include: building consensus through stakeholder engagement; providing a platform for meaningful participation; strategic planning and development; mobilizing resources to secure funding; capacity building by strengthening NSDS capabilities; alignment with national developmental goals; and implementing robust monitoring evaluations.
“If implemented successfully, the NSDS will facilitate coordination across government ministries, private sector entities, and development partners,” Mathurin stated. “It will eliminate duplication, enhance efficiency, and ensure optimal resource utilization.”
This initiative represents a transformative commitment from the government to establish a strong statistical foundation that aligns with national, regional, and global priorities. It was developed through comprehensive consultations and is guided by international frameworks, including PARIS 21 guidelines, the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, Saint Lucia’s Medium-Term Development Strategy 2021-2026, and the Sustainable Development Goals roadmap.
The NSDS will deliver a comprehensive approach to statistical development for the country.
Cabinet Secretary Augusta Degazon, representing the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, views this project as significant progress for the NSDS initiative.
“This effort aims to enhance our capacity to produce, disseminate, and effectively utilize statistical information for informed decision-making,” he declared.
Degazon continued, “This launch signifies the beginning of a transformative process to strengthen the country’s statistical infrastructure and its capability to meet the increasing demand for data.”
In essence, he concluded, the launch of the NSDS “is a crucial step in our journey towards establishing a robust and responsive statistical system that will ultimately support national development goals.”