As preparations continue for the 2012 Population and Housing Census in the TCI, the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics has prepared an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document to help you better understand what will be taking place. Please find the document attached.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE UPCOMING CENSUS
Who provides the census information?
Ideally each responsible adult (18 years or older) in the household should be interviewed. However, this may not be possible because some persons may be out of the islands during the census period. In such cases any responsible adult will be interviewed provided that he/she knows all the required answers. The process may require revisits.
Why is it called a Population and Housing Census?
A population and housing census is a count of every person and building in the country. In addition to knowing ‘how many persons live here¡¦ it is also vital to know ‘who live here’ in terms of age, sex, religion, education, occupation and other important characteristics, as well as ‘where do they live’ in terms of housing, access to water and other essential facilities.
When will the census be conducted?
The Census is conducted every ten years. The last census was in September 2001 and therefore another is presently due.
Why is the census conducted every ten years?
A census is a massive statistical operation which is very costly. It involves accurate mapping of the entire country, recruitment of over 100 field workers, extensive advertising and promotion to get public acceptance and timely processing and dissemination of the data collected.
Such an exercise will incur significant opportunity cost if it happens more frequently.
What are some of the benefits of a Population and Housing Census?
If planners know ‘how many of us live here’, ‘who we are’ and ‘where we live,¦ they can estimate our needs for food, shelter, education, health, transport, employment and other amenities at very small levels of geography.
Is the Census compulsory?
Yes it is! The Census Ordinance entrusts to the Census Officer at the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics the legal authority and responsibility to conduct the census. Closer to the census date, the Governor would approve the Census Order and Census Regulations for viewing by the public. There is a fine or penalty for persons who do not cooperate with census officers.
What must I do to be counted?
During the census period, specially identified enumerators will visit every household in the Turks and Caicos Islands. When visited, be sure to cooperate by responding to all the questions on the census questionnaire. If you are not visited please call or email the Statistical Office at the numbers and address published.
Why not use an online method for the census?
An on-line census system is technically complicated and costly and most countries reject this method. Presently no Caribbean country uses an on-line system. This system requires money and time to develop and test. We must also remember that census field work requires three simultaneous activities: canvassing, listing dwelling units, and interviewing households. Canvassing involves going through an enumeration area to identify all buildings or structures that are used as dwelling units.
Identified dwelling units should correspond to household interviews. The matching of canvassing/listing activities with an on-line interview would make this process complicated and costly.
Will this census be the first one conducted in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
This census will present an unbroken record of census taking in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It has been documented that the first census in the Turks & Caicos Islands was taken in 1891 as part of a Demographic Survey of the British Empire. From that date onward, a census was taken every ten years in the Turks & Caicos Islands up until this time with one notable exception. In the early 1930¡¦s there was no census taken in the Islands.
This was perhaps because of some major upheaval in the world.
Who is counted during the census?
All persons who usually reside within the borders of Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of enumeration are to be counted in the census, regardless of citizenship or length of stay.
¡¦Usually¡¦ refers to having lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for at least six months or having the intention to remain in the Turks and Caicos for at least six months.
The following persons who are outside the country are to be counted where they usually live:
X Persons temporarily absent for less than 6 months on business, holiday,medical treatment, etc.
X Person studying abroad who have the intention of returning home,regardless of the length of stay abroad
