STATISTICS has an important role in the country when it comes to policy formation, national planning and decision making.
The government Statistician Douglas Kimi highlighted this during the World Statistic Day celebration hosted on Monday.
And because of this the current government has recognized the importance of this department.
“The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) has recognised the important role that Statistic played in policy formation, national planning and decision making,” Mr. Kimi added.
He pointed out that statistics is a cornerstone of good government and support public confidence in good government.
“It can be used to measure the DCC Government’s progress in achieving its objectives like; Working towards food security and poverty alleviation and ensuring a healthy, literate and contented population.
“Generating jobs and increased employment opportunities for the growing population and achieving high economic growth, wealth and social wellbeing for all Solomon Islanders,” Mr. Kimi added.
However he added, the current national statistical system is not fully responsive in terms of supplying statistics users with the information that they need.
“The range of statistics produced does not provide the information we need to monitor the economy.
“One such example is the need for a “national CPI” for effective fiscal and monetary policies.”
Mr Kimi explained at the moment the Honiara Price Index is the only data they have with which to measure inflation.
“The recent reviews of the statistical system found that access to data and dissemination is unnecessarily restricted.”
He added that government is working hard to improve the statistics in the country.
The statistics office also acknowledged UNFPA who fund the consultant Jesica Gardner to help compile the “Gender Monograghy report.
The report is a combined effort by several staff who worked with the Consultant – Ms Jessica Gardner – they are as follows;
Irene Kalauma – Chief Statistician Social
Anterlyn Tuzakana – Senior Statistician
Anna Pitaboe – Senior Statistician
Josephat Tako – Statistician
Loyce Pabulu – Principal Statistician
The report was done as part of capacity building approach.
By LESLEY SANGA
