Ministerial Statement by the Premier, The Hon. Michael Dunkley, JP, MP
Good morning Mr. Speaker,
I rise to inform the Members of this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda of the progress of the 2016 Population and Housing Census data collection to date. As of 7th November, 2016, 72% of assessment numbers have been accounted for which includes a combination of residential, vacant, derelict and commercial assessment numbers.
Mr. Speaker, I am also positioned to report the progress geographically. Southampton and Hamilton parishes have the highest completion rates at 80% and Sandys parish has the lowest completion rate at 63%. At the census district level, there are 3 census districts with a 100% completion rate however there are still a significant number of census districts that fall below 60% completion rate. There are a total of 246 census districts. All districts with outstanding households to be counted are actively being targeted by interviewers.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Statistics has completed the first two phases of the census. The e-Census concluded on 13th July and the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews ended on 24th August. The third phase of the census is the Computer Assisted Personal Interviews whereby interviewers visit households that have not completed their census questionnaires to collect information. This phase began on 1st September and the goal is to complete this phase by 31st December.
Mr. Speaker, the census is a national undertaking and requires the support of all residents in order to achieve the goal of a 100% completion rate. In this regard, I take this opportunity to thank all households who have completed their questionnaires and to remind residents that participation in the 2016 Census is mandatory by law and our civic duty. The interview should only take approximately 5-10 minutes per person. Outstanding households are asked to complete their questionnaire by either visiting or calling the Department of Statistics at 297-7761, or, by cooperating with an interviewer who will visit their home. There have been incidences wherein householders have declined to participate. As a reminder, failing to complete the census interview may result in a fine up to $1,000 per day upon conviction.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Director of the Department of Statistics, Mrs. Melinda Williams, and her team of Statisticians and support staff for their commitment to the data collection process. Although not planned, staff have been called upon to conduct interviews and have completed over 1,900 telephone interviews and approximately 500 in-person interviews. Additional Interviewers have now been recruited and trained to complement the team in an effort complete the surveys in a timely fashion.
I wish to also thank the people of Bermuda for their support of this initiative of national importance, and to encourage participation by all, Because People Count.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.