The St. Maarten Department of Statistics (STAT) wrapped up their Pilot Census last Sunday November 21, 2010, with 28 enumerators in the field evaluating and securing the efficiency of the Census materials that will be used to conduct the official Census 2011 that is set to take place early next year.
"We are pleased that this phase of the Pilot Census went smoothly, however we did encounter some challenges in certain Districts, which we will pay extra attention in our residential outreach and engagement during the impending launch of the official Census 2011," stated Makini Hickinson, Department Head of STAT.
The Pilot Census served as a test phase allowing the enumerators to receive first-hand experience, practice and evaluate the efficiency of the materials used, specifically, the questionnaires. Enumerators will be returning their completed forms this week along with their evaluation forms, which will be analyzed for necessary adjustments to the Census process.
The enumerators visited 29 districts, in which each one covered 7 houses, during late afternoon and early evening hours. Enumerators were identifiable by their official STAT Identification cards, along with their STAT Census kits.
Enumerators expressed the Pilot Census to be "a good experience" that allowed them to practice and prepare for the official Census next year. Enumerators stated that though some residents were "challenging," the Pilot Census turned out to be quiet successful.
The purpose of the Pilot Census is to test every phase of organization prior to the actual Census next year. Information gathered during this Pilot Census will not be published in any form. The Pilot Census commenced on November 13th and lasted for a week concluding this past Sunday November 21.
It is important to note that neither the Pilot nor the official 2011 Census will cause any negative effect on undocumented individuals residing on the island, as by law, no raw data will be shared with other government entities such as the Immigration Department.
For further information please contact IMC Marketing Assistant Emmalexis Velasquez at 543-2150/51 or email at marketing@eyemc.net This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact St. Maarten Census Project Leader, Ms. Maurette Antersijn at maurette.antersijn@sintmaartengov.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .