Members of the public asked to cooperate with enumerators

Two of the main challenges to successfully conducting a census in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the political polarization of the country and the intrusive nature of questions which the enumerators are required to ask.{{more}}

Director of Planning Laura Anthony Browne, speaking on a radio discussion programme on Sunday, June 12, said that one of the “saddest things” about conducting the population and housing census is the political polarization of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She said it was thought that the population was polarized in 2001, when the last census was conducted, but in her assessment, the population has become even more polarized in 2011.

“That is really, really sad,” Anthony-Browne said, adding that the census does not have a colour. She said the census is a costly exercise, aimed at providing basic and essential information for proper development planning.

“So often I have witnessed where people have become so polarized, it is almost an obsession you might say, and depending on how they feel about the administration, they may or may not want to participate in the conduct of the census,” Anthony-Browne said.

In an effort to minimize the effect this might have on the success of the census, Anthony-Browne said she has written to both Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace asking them for the cooperation of their political parties in the conduct of the census.

“Ideally, I would love to have statements from each of them, … giving support to the census,” she said. She also asked supporters of both parties to cooperate with enumerators, as the census is within their best interest.

Also seen as a major challenge, Anthony Browne said, is the “fairly intrusive nature” of the census. She said it is a normal reaction not to want to share personal information with a complete stranger who walks into your house. She, however, appealed to persons to cooperate.

Chief Statistician Gatlin Roberts assured the public that the enumerators have been trained and have taken an oath of secrecy, and are not permitted, under any circumstances, to speak about the data they have collected, as long as they live.