The Department of Statistics (STAT) and its 25 interviewers during the first week of the household listing survey have visited over 1000 addresses after starting on February 1.
STAT is of the opinion that a good start has been made. Based on interviewer feedback, most persons have been willing to cooperate thus far, and are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the interview can be completed, due to the shortness of the questionnaire.
The main challenges during the first week has been, a few households refusing to participate and interviewers not being able to gain access to some homes.
In some areas with large properties, the interviewers are having trouble getting the attention of persons living on the property, due to high walls, big gates and the building being a far distance from the gate.
STAT continues to emphasize to the general public, the information being asked will be held in strict confidence and will be used to update the number of households and population within households on Dutch Sint Maarten.
Also important is that this exercise will assist both STAT and the Civil Registry Department to explain the large gap that currently exists between its population figures. An accurate population size of Sint Maarten is crucial for policy making in the coming years.
The entire Sint Maarten community, including gated communities/condominium complexes are encouraged to extend their full cooperation with STAT interviewers, in order for this basic information to be gathered from all residents on the island. The success of this survey and its outcome can only be guaranteed through the participation of all rather than some.
STAT falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication.
PHOTO CUTLINE: L to R, A STAT interviewer (left) with a happy homeowner (right) who just completed the household listing survey.