Message by the Prime Minister of Grenada on the
18th Observance of Caribbean Statistics Day, 15 October 2026.
As we observe Caribbean Statistics Day, this year’s theme, “Harmonising Data and Strengthening Resilience,” could not be more relevant for Grenada. For Caricom, this is about far more than numbers.
It is about equipping our countries with the information needed to make sound decisions, understanding our vulnerabilities, and building resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), resilience is not measured solely by how we recover from crises, but by how well we prepare, how effectively we respond and how successfully we use lessons learned to strengthen our systems for the future.
Our vulnerabilities are well known. Climate change, natural disasters, economic shocks, and other external pressures can quickly undermine livelihoods and years of hard-won development gains. Grenada’s experience during Hurricane Beryl starkly demonstrated this reality, particularly for the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, highlighting the critical importance of timely, reliable data in guiding response, recovery and long-term planning.
In circumstances such as these, data becomes more than numbers. Reliable and timely information helps governments assess damage, identify affected communities, direct resources where they are most needed, and guide recovery. Long before disaster strikes, quality data can help us identify areas of vulnerability, strengthen preparedness, and make better investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and services.
This is why strengthening resilience must also mean strengthening our statistical systems.
Producing more data, however, is not enough. For data to effectively support decision-making across Caricom, they must be consistent and comparable across our member states.
The Caricom Code of Good Statistical Practices underscores the importance of common standards, definitions and classifications. These principles ensure that national data can be combined to provide a clear, reliable picture of our region and support informed decision-making at both the national and regional levels.
Harmonised statistics allow us to better understand trends, compare experiences and coordinate responses to shared challenges. They strengthen our ability to assess population changes, economic performance, food security, poverty, labour markets and environmental risks, while providing the credible evidence needed to advocate for the unique needs and vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States.
As we pursue greater resilience, our statistical systems must evolve alongside emerging technologies. Digital data collection, geospatial information and innovative data sources offer new opportunities to improve the timeliness and quality of information. However, technology alone is not enough. Continued investment in our National Statistical Offices, technical expertise and regional collaboration remain essential.
For small states with limited resources, cooperation is our greatest strength. By sharing expertise, adopting common approaches and investing collectively in statistical capacity, we can build a stronger and more responsive regional statistical system.
Ultimately, statistics are about people. Reliable, timely and comparable data provides the foundation for better policies, smarter investments, and stronger resilience. Harmonisation is therefore not merely a technical objective; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable development and regional progress.
On this Caribbean Statistics Day, let us renew our commitment to strengthening statistical systems across Caricom. Together, we can build a more informed, prepared and resilient Caribbean, equipped to meet the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the statisticians, data professionals and institutions whose dedication strengthens evidence-based policymaking throughout our region.
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