Pioneer LAbor Force Survey conducted in the British Virgin Islands
In keeping with the objectives of the OECS Caribbean Labour Market Information System (LMIS) and the objective of piloting and implementing a revision of selected labour administration indicators and key labour and employment statistics; the Central Statistics Office (CSO) of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in partnership with the OECS has launched its first Labour Force Survey (LFS).
The survey is being done in an attempt to determine the unemployment rate as well as other standard Labour Market indicators. The Survey is funded by the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), with technical assistance from the international Labour Organization (ILO). The Survey, which began 12th January and targeted a sample of 701 households will capture information on employed and unemployed persons in the territory over the age of fifteen years. The sample represents approximately 7% of all the households in the BVI and fifteen (15) enumerators were engaged to administer it. The enumeration phase is expected to conclude in March 2015.
Traditionally, the four main sources of data relating to Labour information has been (1) the Social Security Board which supplies monthly employment data; (2) the Census which provides some information on employment but is only done once every ten years; (3) the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and (4) the Labour Department. The latter two provide data on work permits issued and work permit exemptions issued to non-nationals who meet the required criteria.
The traditional sources are still relevant and very much in use but there are some limitations regarding all. The data received does not provide enough detailed information on the characteristics of the working population. And over time it has become necessary to have a greater understanding of these characteristics so that changes can be effectively monitored. This is especially expedient given that more than 60% of the BVI population is comprised of non-nationals.
Therefore when the opportunity arose to participate in the regional LMIS initiative and consequentially conduct the first ever LFS for the territory, it was embraced enthusiastically. The results of this first LFS for the BVI are eagerly anticipated as statistically it will serve as a benchmark on which to conduct future surveys. Additionally, the information will also contribute to making sound empirically based decisions at the policy level. And will ensure that any resulting projects, programmes and initiatives are targeted towards the needs of specific population groups. The results of both the LFS and the overall LMIS initiative will serve as a means of creating awareness by educating the public and the region on the specifics and trends observed in the working age population.
The CSO looks forward to continued collaboration with the OECS and regional and international partners regarding the full establishment of the LMIS in the BVI. The CSO will also continue to refine and strengthen local partnerships with both established and new data sources; which will greatly enhance the flow of data, and ensure that it occurs on a more timely and regular basis.
The Central Statistics Office of the BVI is a government department within the portfolio of the Premier’s Office. It is charged with the overall responsibility to inform and facilitate the socioeconomic development process in the Virgin Islands through the provision of timely and reliable statistical information. The Office has approximately 27 employees and is located on the second floor of the Central Administration Building in Road Town, Tortola.
by:
Merlene H Sanderson, Deputy Director, Central Statistics Office (BVI)
&
Mirian Flores, Assistant Statistical Officer, Central Statistics Office (BVI)