WILLEMSTAD – The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of Curaçao is strengthening its cooperation with statistical agencies throughout the Caribbean to improve the comparability of data and support more informed policymaking across the region.
The initiative is being highlighted today, October 15, as the Caribbean observes Caribbean Statistics Day under this year's theme, “Harmonising Data, Strengthening Resilience.”
The theme emphasizes the importance of cooperation among national statistical offices to ensure that information collected across the Caribbean can be compared more effectively, helping governments and institutions make better-informed decisions.
Caribbean Statistics Day has been observed annually since 2009 within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The occasion recognizes the essential role of reliable statistics in policy development, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
CARICOM continues to emphasize the importance of common statistical standards and harmonized methodologies in supporting the region's development.
For Curaçao, regional cooperation has become increasingly relevant since the country officially became an associate member of CARICOM on July 28, 2024.
According to CBS Curaçao, this membership creates opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences with statistical agencies in other Caribbean countries while working collectively to improve and harmonize statistical information.
A central element of this cooperation is the use of common concepts, definitions, classifications, and statistical methodologies.
When countries collect and process information using comparable standards, their statistics become more consistent and easier to interpret. This allows policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of similarities and differences between Caribbean economies and societies.
Statistical information covering population trends, employment, education, healthcare, tourism, and economic growth plays an important role in monitoring social and economic developments.
However, meaningful comparisons between countries depend on a clear understanding of what is being measured and which methods are used to collect and analyze the information.
For Curaçao, improved data harmonization will make it possible to assess national developments not only within the local context but also against regional and international trends.
CBS emphasized that harmonizing statistics does not mean that Caribbean countries should produce identical figures. Rather, it means ensuring that data are compiled using comparable methods so that differences between countries can be properly understood and interpreted.
Reliable and comparable statistics can also help governments identify emerging challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of public policies, and develop strategies to strengthen economic and social resilience.
Through this year's Caribbean Statistics Day theme, CBS Curaçao is reaffirming its commitment to regional statistical cooperation and the development of high-quality information that supports evidence-based decision-making.
The bureau believes that closer collaboration among Caribbean statistical agencies will contribute to a better understanding of regional developments and ultimately help build a more resilient Caribbean.