Census starts September 11

By Lynford Simpson, Staff Reporter

THE GOVERNMENT through the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) will be spending roughly $300 million to undertake the census of population and housing (2001) which is scheduled to get under way September 11.

The money will be used to compensate the more than 6,000 workers who will be employed on the project as supervisors, area co-ordinators and census takers, Robert Robinson, Director of Business Services at Statin, told The Gleaner.

A portion of the money is being spent to train prospective census takers, some of whom are currently attending five-day workshops aimed at equipping them with the requisite skills to undertake the exercise. According to Mr. Robinson, the entire operation should be concluded by December 31.

A census is usually taken every 10 years and at the time of the last count in 1991, the population stood at 2,314,479. In describing the census as "probably the most essential tool used for planning in any society," Mr. Robinson stressed that it will help the authorities to determine areas of rapid population growth such as Greater Portmore, St. Catherine, and whether additional services such as schools, hospitals, banks and increased water supply are needed. Also the census is likely to provide important data that will help potential investors determine where to set up business.

"Beginning September 11, just over 5,000 census takers will visit every dwelling in Jamaica to collect information on every person considered a usual resident of Jamaica...," a statement from STATIN said. For purposes of the exercise, the island will be divided into just under 5,500 enumeration districts called EDs. Each ED comprises approximately 100-150 households with a population, in most instances, which is expected to be between 350 and 525.

Two questionnaires will be used -- the short form of which will be administered to 90 per cent of the population. The long form will be administered to the remaining 10 per cent. The short form will cover information relating to age, race, sex, religion, education level, chronic illnesses and disability and place of birth. The long form will cover information relating to training, economic activity and fertility. Monday, September 10 has been declared Census Day.

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