Division of Planning launches database software

Officials at the statistical office in the Central Planning Division this week launched an updated version of DevInfo.

According to the office, the latest version, dubbed VinInfo, is a socio economic database facility which aims to assist the statistical office with the dissemination of data to facilitate evidence based planning.{{more}}

The database was developed by the statistical office with technical assistance from the CARICOM Secretariat and built on the platform of DevInfo, software developed initially by UNICEF to monitor the World Summit for Children Goals.

The launch, which took place on Wednesday at Frenches House, saw the team involved in its development and other stakeholders on hand to witness the first run of the software, which took about two years to develop.

Chief Statistician Gatlin Roberts described the launch of VinInfo as the beginning of a journey, since there is a lot more work to be done with regard to the collecting, collating and dissemination of information.

Roberts commended the in-house team that worked on the data base: Geographic Information System Mapping Officer Dwane Allen, System Administrator Nerissa Allen-Nichols and Statistical Officer Sandra Grant.

The team was assisted by a committee comprising: Marva Robinson and Donnette O’Neil of the Information Technical Services Division (ITSD); Currel Thompson of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Bernadine Dublin from the Dept of Labour, Elkey James from the Ministry of National Mobilization etc., Kurt Noel and Kenroy Boucher of the Immigration Department, and Nilio Gumbs from the Ministry of Education. (JJ)