CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT

TWENTY -EIGHTH MEETING OF THE RESTRICTED

STANDING COMMITTEE OF

CARIBBEAN STATISTICIANS SCCS/2003/28/24

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

3-5 November 2003 3 November 2003

Attached for the attention of the Meeting is Trinidad and Tobago's Country Report.

INTRODUCTION

The Central Statistical Office (CSO) was established in 1952 by the passing of the Statistics Ordinances, Chapter 42, No.11 of the Revised Ordinances 1952.The Ordinance was later replaced by the Statistics Act, Chapter 19: 02 of the Revised Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 1982.

The CSO as a Government Department reports to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development.

The statement of core purpose is embodied in its mission statement -The mission of the Central Statistical Office is to facilitate informed decision-making, through the timely provision of a high-quality, relevant user-oriented and dynamic statistical service, coordinating statistical activities and promoting the adherence to statistical standards.

Its vision articulates "The Central Statistical Office is the premier information and research institution, committed to being a learning and innovative organization staffed by well motivated personnel and enhanced through continuous quality improvement, to provide timely, high quality and relevant goods and services utilizing state of the art technology for customer satisfaction. "

In the permanent establishment of the CSO there are two hundred and eight-two (282) posts. In addition there are seventy-two (72) temporary posts (under delegated authority).

" Therefore the staff of the CSO consists of three 'hundred and fifty-four (354) officers, one hundred and sixteen (116) males and two hundred and thirty-eight (238) females. Of the total staff, thirty-four (34) are professionals and seventy-five (75) technical officers.

Key issues and outcomes for the CSO during the period October 2002 to September 2003 have been:

Completion of preliminary Integrated Economic Accounts for Trinidad and Tobago for the year 1999.
Completion of the National Income Report for T & T, 1995-2001. This report includes significant aspects of SNA 1993 -Institutional Sector Accounts, CCIS 1998-1999.
Provided GDP estimates 1999-2003 at current and constant prices for the Review of the Economy.
Began work on a Supply and Use Table.
Revision of the Index of Retail Prices from a 1993 base to a 2003 base.
With the Support of the ILO developed a Productivity Index for Manufacturing and began work on an Occupational Wage Survey.
Implementation of the CARICOM Census Tabulation Plan based on the 1990 Population and Housing Census through a web site hosted by UNECLAC, Port of Spain URL :HTTP://V96.32.51.361 Redatam.
Launched in May 2003 CSO’s website: www.cso.gov.tt

Provided data for Vision 20202 sub-comrnittees.
Made presentations to various government agencies including the Cabinet on CSO's capability in GIS Technology with specific reference to Data Integration and Data Compatibility for a National Information System.
Completed data entry of the 2000 Population and Housing Census.
Initiated discussions on the restructuring of the CSO.

Received Cabinet approval for the conduct of the 2004 Agricultural Census.

Conducted the pilot Agricultural Census

Introduced Scanning Technology in the CSO.

1 PROGRESS REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2002 TO SEPTEMBER 2003

1.1 NATIONAL ACCOUNTS DIVISION

(i) Completion of preliminary Integrated Economic Accounts for Trinidad and Tobago for the year 1999.

(ii) Completion of The National Income Report for Trinidad and Tobago for the period 1995 -2001. This report includes significant aspects of SNA 1993 -Institutional Sector Accounts, CCIS for the years 1998 and 1999.

(iii) Completion of revised estimates of the Gross Domestic Product for the years 2001 and 2002 and

preliminary estimates constant prices 1985 = 100 and 2000 = 100.

(iv) Continued developmental work on Tourism Satellite Accounts.

(v) Continued developmental work on Non Profit Institutions Serving

Households.

(vi) Began work on a Supply and Use Table for the year 2000.

(vii) Continued developmental work on National Health Accounts.

(viii)Continued work on measuring International Trade in Services via mode # 3 Commercial Presence and

mode # 4 Presence of natural persons.

1.1.2 BUSINESS SURVEYS UNIT

All members of staff were trained in Microsoft Access on 23rd September 2003.

Staff members prepared first drafts of desk manuals.

First draft of an editing manual was prepared.

Carnival survey for 2003 was conducted but the response rate was poor

ISSUES OF CONCERN FOR THE UNIT

The existence of one phone line has again for another year limited the staff's ability to update the database on a daily basis. There are thousands of register update forms to be completed via the phone before they can be entered on the database. All members of staff to do their work on a daily basis as well as Internet and to send faxes use this phone line.
The lack of a network within the unit has hindered the efficiency and productivity of all three units. If there is a network, one database could be developed to improve the integrity and accuracy of the data.
The attrition of staff prohibits the efficiency of the unit. Every couple of months within this year staff was promoted out of the unit and the lag time for replacements created a vacuum in the unit. Then the process of training and retraining staff became a tedious effort.

Addressing these issues would greatly enhance the productivity and efficiency of the unit in meeting the goals of the organization of "timely provision of a high quality, relevant, user-oriented and dynamic statistical service, co-coordinating statistical activities and promoting the adherence to statistical standards.”

REGISTER UNIT

(i) Updating of the Business Surveys Register was carried out on a daily basis throughout the year from various sources e.g. Register Update Forms, external databases, newspapers, fliers etc.

(ii) The Vat Listings were received and checked, coded and updated on the register.

(iii) There were 87 requests for data from the B/S register for year. (See table 1)

(iv) Projects for the year -databases were used to update the Business Survey Database.

· TIDCO Export Directory 2003

· AMCHAM database

· T &T Chamber of Commerce database

· Service Stations

· Testing Stations

· CEPEP contractors

· Credit Union Listing

· Associations-NGO

· EBC listing of business (as appeared in the newspaper)

(i) National Income Industry Specialists were supplied with sampling frame for the 2002 sample selection.

(ii) Survey Unit was supplied with a copy of the 2002 database with relevant fields for building 2002 survey database.

(iii) The 2002 B/S Register database was closed off and archived as at March 2003.

(iv) CD copies of the 1990-2002 databases were made for storage in the fireproof vaults in the CSO and for use in the unit.

(v) Tables were prepared for the CSO's website.

TABLE I:

Data Requests by Period, Cost Waived and Revenue Earned

October 2002- September 2003

Quarter	No. of Data Request	No. of Request Waived	Total Cost	Charge Waived	Actual Charge
OCT-DEC 2002	16	8	$4785	$3565	$1220
JAN-MAR 2003	27	22	$8690	$7795	$895
APR-JUN 2003	22	13	$9680	$2155	$7525
JUL-SEPT 2003	22	13	$10587	$3635	$6952
TOTAL	87	56	$33742	$17150	$16592

There were eighty-seven (87) requests for data from the Business Surveys database for the year, recording a total value of $33,742. Costs were waived for fifty- six (56) of these requests, as they were either from Government departments or for educational purposes. The total sum waived was $17,150; hence the actual revenue generated for the year was $16,952.

EDITING UNIT

Questionnaires received for survey years 2000 and 2001 were edited.

TABLE 2:

Questionnaires Received and Edited. Survey Year 2000 and 2001

Industry	Questionnaire	Questionnaire	Questionnaire	Questionnaire
TTSNA	RECEIVED	EDITED	RECEIVED	EDITED
2-0	0	0	3	0
3-0	20	18	110	100
4-0	12	6	78	70
5-0	7	8	34	29
6-0	4	10	56	46
7-0	7	15	40	34
8-0	9	12	50	41
9-0	9	20	63	51
10-0	9	16	43	26
12-0	8	11	100	31
13-0	44	123	333	204
14-0	5	5	30	14
15-0	11	15	132	59
16-0	14	21	125	67
18-0	4	7	39	24
19-0	15	29	135	62
TOTAL	178	316	1371	858

SURVEY UNIT

(i) Survey database updated daily as questionnaires received.

(ii) 2nd reminders for 2001 survey dispatched on April 9th 2003.

(iii) Final reminders for 2001survey dispatched on June 5th 2003.

(iv) Phone calls received after dispatch of reminders were dealt with immediately.

(v) Creation of 2002 survey database.

(vi) 2002 survey dispatched on 23rd June 2003, sample size selected was 3010 establishments.

(vii) Listings for field staff were prepared with their workloads for the 2002 survey.

(viii) 1^st Reminders for 2002 survey prepared.

1.2 ECONOMIC STATISTICS DIVISION

1.2.1 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

The major achievement of the Economic Indicators Section for the year October 2002 to September 2003 was the revision of the Index of Retail Prices from a 1993 base to January 2003.

(i) Index of Retail Prices -The index of Retail Prices on the old base (1993) i was published up to March 2003. The Index on the new base (Jan 2003) was prepared for February to June but has not been released.

(ii) Index of Retail Prices of Building Materials -This index has been prepared for the third quarter 2003.

(iii) Index of Producers Prices -The second quarter 2003 has been prepared.

(iv) Index of Retail Sales- This indicator was prepared for the second quarter 2003.

(v) Survey of Domestic Production and Industrial Sales -The first quarter has been released and the second quarter is completed and awaiting approval by the editors.

1.2.2 TRADE

(i) Trade bulletins have been released for January to May 2003. The June bulletin is being prepared. July, trade was closed and the Computer Division is generating bulletin tabulations.

(ii) Trade indices -Indices of quantity and value were prepared for the first quarter 2003. Economic end use tables are also available for the second quarter 2003.

1.2.3 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

(i) Data on visitor arrivals are available for June 2003. Five surveys of Departing Visitors have been conducted and the expenditure figures generated for the Central Bank.

(ii) The Survey of Departing Visitors Report 2002 has been prepared and is edited.

1.2.4 DEVELOPMENTAL WORK WITH THE ILO

Preliminary work has been completed on a Productivity Index. Research is also in progress on an Occupational Wage Survey. The Department wishes to express its gratitude for the continuing support received from the ILO.

1.3 SOCIAL AND VITAL STATITICS DIVISION.

1.3.1 SOCIAL STATISTICS SECTION:

(i) CRIME STATISTICS:

Collection and Compilation of data from Police, Probations and Prisons for the Crime Report (2000-2002).

(ii) GENDER REPORT:

Letters were sent to various ministries and departments to collect data on Gender.

(iii) SOCIAL INDICATORS REPORT:

Requests for data have been sent to various Government Ministries and Divisions. The following have responded: The Ministries of Health, Forestry Division, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and the Elections and Boundaries Commission. Data from the 2000 Population and Housing Census will soon be available.

(iv) CHILD INDICATORS MONITORING SYSTEM (CIMS) PROJECT:

A Research Consultant for the Project was recruited.
The recruitment of an Information Technology Consultant proceeded from the recommendations of a Selection Committee, which looked at the applications from several candidates for the post.
The CIMS Coordinating Committee held two meetings in February and August. Phase II of the Project commenced in August 2003.

The Consultants visited Tobago to assess the data collection systems and departmental structures in place where such data could be sourced for the CIMS Project.

(V) EDUCATION STATISTICS:

(1) 2000/2001 EDUCATION REPORT FOR THE YEAR.

2000/2001 WAS PUBLISHED.

(2) 2001/2002 EDUCATION REPORT.

(a) Questionnaires for both Primary and Secondary Schools were printed and forwarded to all schools.

(b) Four hundred and fifty-six (456) Questionnaires or 94% of the total number of Primary School Questionnaires have been received, edited and coded.

(c) One hundred and thirteen (113) or 85% of the total number of Secondary School Questionnaires have been received, edited and coded.

(3) 2002/2003 EDUCATION REPORT

(a) One hundred and twenty (120) or 25% of the total number of Primary School Questionnaires have been received, edited and coded.

(b) Eighty-two (82) or 62% of the total number of Secondary School '- Questionnaires have been received, edited and coded.

(vi) TRAFFIC STATISTICS:

Completed and published 3^rd Quarter 2002, 4^th Quarter 2002 and Annual Traffic Report 2002. Prepared 1^st Quarter 2003 report which is currently being edited.

(vii) REPRESENTATIONS ON COMMITTEES:

The Senior Statistician of the Division represented the C.S.O. on:

(a.) Reconstituted Human Rights Consultative Committee.

(b) Alternate Member of Committee for National Plan of Action for Convention of Rights of the Child.

(d) Essential National Health Research Council.

1.3.2 VITAL STATISTICS SECTION:

(i) The editing and coding of all births returns received up to August 2003.

(ii) The editing and coding of all death returns received up to November 2002 and area coding up to June 2003.

(iii) The completion of extraction of all marriages for 2001 and up to June 2002 for Christian marriages.

(iv) The completion of extraction of divorces for 2002.

(v) Attempts were made to collect data on departures by age and sex to be used in preparing the mid-year estimates.

(vi) There were an unusually high number of data requests particularly for the 2020 vision plan where 10 years plus series data was requested.

(vii) The 1999 Population and Vital Statistics Report had to be recalled after some discrepancies (tables not balancing, inconsistencies within tables etc.) were discovered. Because of the nature of the errors and the recent problems with P.A.H.O. refusing to publish death data for Trinidad and Tobago, it was decided to check all the death tables manually. This is currently being done.

(viii) The number of missing entries, particularly 'addresses on the cause of death certificates’, continue to be a problem. Several field visits had to be made to obtain the relevant information.

(ix) Some problems were experienced with the Registrar General's Department in trying to close off the births and deaths data for 2001. Arrangements are now in place with that Department and access to the registration records are now available.

1.3.3 PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION SECTION

(i) ANNUALSTATISTICAL DIGEST 2000

All data tables were collated, compiled and updated in Excel format on the computer. Staff then checked the report, composed by the Computer division, edited by the O/C National Income Division, and subsequently dispatched to the Printer, where it is still being printed.

(ii) ANNUAL STATISTICAL DIGEST 2001

All data requests, both internal and external, for the ASD 2001, have been dispatched. Response has been coming in slowly, and staff has begun compiling the tables. Approximately 40% of the data have been received and relevant tables updated on the computer.

(iii) POCKET DIGEST 2001

The pocket digest 2001 was completed, sent to the Printer and subsequently printed and distributed. .

(iv) POCKET DIGEST 2002

All internal data requests have been dispatched and approximately 90% have been returned completed. Data have been collated and relevant tables are being compiled.

(v) DATA REQUESTS

Data requests were promptly attended to on a daily basis by e-mail, fax, telephone and public contact, and relevant vouchers were prepared for sale, of reports and bulletins.

(vi) JOB CARDS

All job cards were prepared and noted whenever jobs were sent to the Printer.

(vii) PRESS RELEASES

All press releases for reports/bulletins were prepared and submitted to the various ministries as the reports became available from the Printer.

1.4 COMPUTER DIVISION

THE TRADE SYSTEM

This system consists of the following sub-systems.

Trade Bulletin
Average Unit Value Index
Adjustment
S. T.A.R.R. (System for Trade Ad Hoc Request Report Generation).
T.I.D.C.O. Exports of the year
Unit Rate
Annual Overseas (Part A)
Annual Overseas (Part B)
Annual Overseas (Part C)

(i) TRADE BULLETIN

(a) Trade Bulletin Tables were prepared for January 2003 to June 2003.

(b) The Quarterly Reports for 1^st quarter and 2nd quarter 2003 for Citrus, Meat and Cocoa were prepared.

(ii) T.I.D.C.O. EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tables for the Prime Minister's Exporter of the year award 2002 was prepared.

(iii) AVERAGE UNIT VALUE INDEX

Average Unit Value Indices for Imports and Exports for the four (4) quarters of 2002.

The first quarter of 2003 was prepared.

(iv) TRADE UNIT RATE TABULATION

Tabulations were generated for Imports and Exports, January -March 2003.

(v) TRAVEL SYSTEM

Using the Caribbean Tourism Organization Management Information System for Tourism (CTO-MIST) for the following were completed.

(a) The data for the period October 2002 to June 2003 were cleaned and the relevant tables were produced,

(b) The database was backed up on a weekly basis.

(vi) VITAL STATISTICS

(1) Tables for Deaths 1999 and 2000 were prepared.

(2) Tables for Births, Marriages and Divorces for 2000 were prepared.

(vii) FOREIGN VISITORS

Control totals for SeptembeJ: 2002, November 2002, January 2003, March 2003 and May 2003 were completed.

(viii) AGRICULTURE SYSTEM FOOD CROP

Tables for June 2002, August 2002, October 2002, December 2002 and tables for February 2003 and April 2003 were completed.

(ix) BROILER SURVEY

The Users' Manual for the Broiler Production Survey was completed.

(x) 1990 POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS DATA

(a) A website was created for Trinidad and Tobago -Implementation of CARICOM Census Tabulation Plan based on the 1990 Population and Housing Census. This site is kindly hosted by UNECLAC Port of Spain site and can be accessed via the following URL: HTTP://96.32.51.361 REDATAM.

(b )Completed data request for Institute of Marine Affairs for socio- economic and demographic information for communities that lie to the north of San Raphael and along the Tunupuna Main Road.

(c) Completed data request for Population age 5-13 for Arouca, Bon Air Development Dinsley, - Trincity, Maloney Gardens, Red Hill and Trincity was completed. Also the request was done for the above communities for age<70.

(xi) WEBSITE

The web site was launched in May 2003, and the address is www.cso.gov.tt

(xii) NATIONAL ACCOUNTS

Programs to generate the production account for the National Account were completed.

(xiii) LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Library Mailing System was converted from DBASEIII to MS ACCESS.

(xiv) AGRICULTURE CENSUS 2004 PILOT SURVEY

(a) All the batches were scanned.

(b) Preliminary (unedited) tables were produced for perusal by FAO representatives.

(d) Documentation of the Data Processing Methodology for the Pilot

Survey was completed.

(e) Database look up tables were created in the Teleform Design for i food crop, livestock and praedial larceny.

(f) Work is continuing on designing the questionnaire for the actual Census.

(xi) MISCELLANEOUS

(a) Weekly meetings are held with the Agriculture Census team to monitor progress.

(b) Daily, fortnightly and monthly backups were completed on the two (2) Servers.

(xii) TRAINING

(a) Three (3) day training in Performance Management and Appraisal System.

(b) Five (5) day training in Teleform Software.

(d) Three (3) day training in SPSS/CSPRO.

(xvii) AD HOC REQUESTS

Approximately 345 requests were completed for the period October 2002 -September 2003.

TABLE 3:

Costing of AD-Hoc Data Requests For The Period October 2002- September 2003.

Month	Charges Applied (TT$)	Charges Waived (TT$)
October 2002	$1810.00	$1220.00
November 2002	$2640.00	$855.00
December 2002	$1030.00	$650.00
January 2003	$880.00	$1075.00
February 2003	$1770.00	$800.00
March 2003	$1890.00	$1620.00
April 2003	$1585.00	$1540.00
May 2003	$3080.00	$1590.00
June 2003	$1290.00	$1035.00
July 2003	$1780.00	$1055.00
August 2003	$790.00	$935.00
September 2003	$2985.00	$1765.00
Total	$21530.00	$14140.00

The above charges do not reflect request from within the Central Statistical Office. The Subject Matter Section determined the above charges.

1.4.1 COMPOSING UNIT

Hereunder is a list of Publications, Reports, Bulletins and other miscellaneous jobs done by the Composing Unit for the period July -September, 2003.

(i) PUBLICATIONS/REPORTS

Vital Statistics 1999 Corrections

CSSP Report 2000 -2002

QAR 2002

Tourism Report 2002

(ii) BULLETINS

Pig Farmers Bulletin 1^st and 2^nd Quarters, 2003

Poultry Bulletin -March and May, 2003

Monthly Trade Statistics -April, May and June, 2003

Road Traffic Accidents -1^st Quarter 2003

Labour Force Bulletin -1^st and 2^nd Quarter 2003

Traffic Bulletin -January-December, 2002

Traffic Bulletin 1^st Quarter 2003

(iii) 2004 AGRICULTURE CENSUS DOCUMENTS

Enumerator's Manual -General Instructions, Part I & II

Census Training Manual

Editors and Coders Manual

Instructions to Editors and Coders

General Instructions to Enumerators

Systems Progress Report

Food Crop Codes

Training Schedule

Zone Coordinator Form

Corrections and Amendments to 2004 Agriculture Census Questionnaire (Teleform)

(iv) 2000 POPULATION CENSUS DOCUMENTS

Visitation Record and Instructions

Institutional Questionnaire

Community Register Training Timetable

Organizational Chart

Oath of Secrecy

(v) MISCELLANEOUS

EDP Control Clerk Monthly Report -June-August,

2003 EDPControl Clerk Quarterly Report -April-June, 2003

GDP Constant Prices

Rebasing of Index Prices

SUT Data for 2000

Millennium Development Goals

1.4.2 ILLUSTRATION

(i) Covers were designed for the following publications:

Agriculture Section Report
Pocket Digest
Travel Publication
National Income Publication
Agriculture Census
Agriculture Census Manuals
Education Statistics

(ii) The charts were designed for the following:

CSSP Bulletin
Travel Bulletin
Education Statistics
Annual Statistical Digest
Social Statistics -Accident
Social Statistics -Crime
Vital Statistics

1.5 CONTINUOUS SAMPLE SURVEY OF POPULATION

October -September 2003

(i) Prepared and distributed workloads for the following:

Quarter Year Periods

4^th2002 1-6

1^st2003 1-6

2^nd2003 1-6

3^rd2003 1-6

(ii) Edited and coded questionnaires for the following:

Quarter Year

3^rd2002

4^th2002

1^st2003

2^nd2003

(iii) Prepared quality control data for C.S.S.P. North and South Field Operations for the following:

(iv) Completed tables and prepared bulletins for:

Quarter Year

3^rd2002

4^th2002

1^st2003

2^nd2003

(v) Prepared tables for:

Quarter Year

3^rd2002

4^th2002

1^st2003

2^nd2003

(vi) Compiled and updated sample selections.

(vii) Attended to data requests.

(viii) Assisted external agencies with sample selections and related work.

(ix) Completed Annual Labour Force Report for 2001 and 2002.

(x) Updated Household Budgetary Survey data and undertook other work related to H.B.S.

(xi) Created database for forecasting Labour Force data.

(xii) Completed H.B.S. Report Volumes I and II.

(xiii) Made inventory of Visitation Records in Vault.

(xiv) Prepared Labour Force Forecast For Review Of The Economy.

Sample size and Non-Response rate by Quarter:

Quarter	Sample Size	Non-response	Non-response rate
4^th quarter, 2002	2920 households	257 households	8.8%
1^st quarter, 2003	2931 households	249 households	8.5%
2^nd quarter, 2003	2909 households	284 households	9.8%
3^rd quarter, 2003	2933 households	Not available	Not available

1.5.1 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (MAPPING) SECTION

MAPPING ACTIVITY

Provided maps of Enumeration Districts (EDs) for the four quarters of the year 2003 and 1st quarter 2004 for Labour Force Survey.

Provided GIS maps for Government 2020 vision sub-committees.

Updated maps of EDs returned from the CSSP field exercise of listing of EDs for the Labour Force Survey.

Continued work on the subdivision of enumeration districts for revision of CSSP sampling frame.

Prepared maps in colour by population density for preliminary census report.

Provided external agencies with large maps showing distribution of population and population density.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ACTIVITY

Using Access software designed and implemented system for gathering topological information on Eds.

Created CSSP database of household distribution at the level of enumeration districts and conducted comparative analysis of distribution of households with Census 2000 data on household distribution at the said level.

Conducted in-house training of persons in "On the Job Training" programme within the section.

Made presentation to various government agencies including the Cabinet of CSO capability in GIS technology with specific reference to Data integration and Data compatibility for National Information Systems.

1.6 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS DIVISION

1.6.1 Progress Report

(i) Food Crop Survey

Completed January -December 2002 Food Crop Bulletin.
Completed Draft Food Crop Bulletin January- December 2002.
Collected Data for the period November -December 2002 and January - August 2003.
Editing of the data collected is in progress for the period September ~ October 2003.

Completed Pineapple, Paw Paw Survey for Ist and 2nd Quarters, 2003.
3^rd Quarter Pineapple, Paw Paw Survey being edited and captured on the computer.
Watercress and Christophene January- August 2003 data processed.
September -October 2003 Survey data collection in progress.

(ii) Poultry Production Survey

March/April Bulletin completed need to be printed
May/June suspended to work on Agriculture Census Frame
July/ August edited, coded, captured, final tables to be prepared.
Table Egg Production data collected and processed up to August 2003.

(iii) Pig Production Survey

2^ndQuarter Bulletin prepared need to be printed
3^rd Quarter Survey being processed, (edited, coded and captured on the Micro-computer)

(iv) Quarterly Agricultural Report.

2002 report all tables and write up completed except food crop tables.

(v) New Survey

Survey of Agricultural Holdings in Tobago completed in September 2002. List frame has been prepared.

(vi) Small Ruminants

Preliminary figures prepared based on the number of farmers, and the population of goat, sheep and rabbits.

1.6.2 2004 AGRICULTURAL CENSUS

(I) Introduction

(a) Although Cabinet agreed that the next Agriculture Census should be carried out in May 2004, to date the Census Planning Unit has not been established.

(b) Two committees, viz. the Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee have been established and have held five meetings so far. The purpose of these committees is to assist and advise the Census Officer on all aspects of the Census Programme.

(2) Staff

As at September 30^th2003 the staff of the planning Unit comprised of the

following officers:

Mr. Robert Latiff Senior Statistician (Ag)

Ms Lois Herrera Statistical Officer II (Ag)

In addition nine Temporary Clerical Assistants were assigned to the unit to assist in the preparation of the Census Frame.

The Agriculture Statistics Division is handling the full workload of the Census in the absence of the Census Planning Unit. The officers that are currently working on the Census are as follows:

Joseph Lynch Senior Statistician

Roger Jugmohan Statistician II

Basook Mahadeo Principal Statistical Office

Alisha Kalloo Statistician I

(3) Activities of the Planning Unit

The calendar of activities lists the following tasks to be completed or started during the period January to September 2003. The status of each task is as follows.

Activity Status as at September 30^th 2003

(a) Plan and Prepare Operations and Quality

Control Systems On going

(b) Preparation of the Frame On going

(d) Conduct Pretest and Field Trials and Testing

of Draft Questionnaire Completed

(e) Develop Concepts and Table outlines Completed

(f) Preparation of Manuals Completed

(g) Draft Tabulation Plans Completed

(h) Meet with Data Users Completed

(i) Plan, Prepare and Test Data Processing

Procedures and Programs On going

0) Data Preparation, Manual, Edit and Codes On going

{k) Prepare and Produce E.D Maps Not yet started

(4) In the month of November training of Census staff will begin. The training will focus on the training of Trainers and Supervisors in the first instance, to be followed by Enumerators. Planning for the Publicity Campaign will also commence.

1.6.2 REPORT ON PILOT SURVEY

As a pre-requisite for the 2004 Agricultural Census to be conducted in May/June 2004, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) conducted a Pilot Survey during the period July 21 -31, 2003.

OBJECTIVES

This Pilot Survey was a test run for the main exercise with its main objectives being: -

(i.) To test the efficiency of the Questionnaire, Other Forms and Manuals.

(ii.) To obtain an objective measurement of Census techniques and procedures.

(iii.) To test the effectiveness of training methods, materials and adequacy of time allotted for training.

(iv.) To measure the Enumerator's ability to win cooperation and obtain accurate data.

(v.) To obtain an indication of Non Response.

(vi.) To determine the time required to complete interviews in order to arrive at staff requirements and

workload sizes.

(vii.) To test the accuracy of the Census Frame.

(viii.) To test the data processing procedures.

SAMPLE SIZE

A total of one hundred and ninety nine (199) Agricultural Holders were subjectively selected from various list frames of farmers in Trinidad and Tobago. The use of subjective sampling was utilized in order to have a good representation of the various agricultural activities by size, geographic area and type of organization.

In addition, four (4) communities were selected for screening i.e. a complete , listing of all Holders in each area. This was done to test the adequacy of the Census Frame and to make a comparison with the corresponding 2000 Population Census. (See Appendix 11)

FIELD STAFF

Ideally, the field staff (Enumerators and Supervisors) to be used should have been a combination of experienced and inexperienced persons. However, because of time constraints and the late approval of funds, our regular field staff (14) together with two (2) new recruits carried out the fieldwork.

TRAINING

An intensive one (1) week training programme was conducted for Supervisors, Enumerators, Field Editors and Data Processing Personnel during the period July 14 -18, 2003 at the Census Planning Unit, Park Street, Port of Spain.

The training method adopted was a combination of Lectures, Discussions, Workshops and Practice Interviews. The materials and equipment utilized for training included the Enumerator/Supervisor/Editing/Coding Manuals, Maps, Visual Aids, Slide Shows, Whiteboard presentations and the use of the Multi- media equipment.

Mainly personnel from the Agricultural Census Unit and the FAO Gender Consultant -Dr. David Dolly, conducted the training sessions. The training dealt with background information and the purpose of the Census, Interviewing Techniques, Mapping and detailed instructions for completing the questionnaire and other forms.

FINDINGS.

During the actual field exercise the following were noted:

(1) Response

Out of the 199 holders listed for interviews, 166 were found to be actual holders. Of these 166 holders, 157 questionnaires were completed resulting in a response rate of 94.6% and a non-response rate of 5.4% (See Appendix IV).

(2) Time Taken to Complete and Edit Questionnaire

The average time taken to complete an interview by all Enumerators in Trinidad and Tobago was 62 minutes. In the case of field editing of the questionnaire, the average time taken was 58 minutes. (See Appendix V) It must be noted that the enumerators were instructed to first complete the questionnaire in pencil and then re-write in pen after the interview was concluded. This was necessary especially in the initial stages to avoid making to many mistakes as they familiarize themselves with the questionnaire and the interviewing process.

(3) Administrative Problems

(i) The Enumerators did not get all the questionnaires at onetime due to problems experienced by the Printer in using the TELEform format.

(ii) Some of the questionnaires had missing pages while others had pages that were not in sequence

(iii) Many Supervisors and Enumerators did not complete the required. Control Forms as they found them to be very time consuming.

(iv) Some of the ED Maps were found to be outdated.

(v) Some of the addresses were vague and caused problems in locating holders.

(vi) Due to inclement weather conditions, additional time was needed to complete the exercise.

(4) The Questionnaire

The questionnaire was found to be quite lengthy and complex to complete within the allotted time. This was compounded by the fact that Enumerators had to convert all units of measurements reported to the metric system. The following were some of the main weaknesses identified: -

(i) Section 6 -Employment on Holding

This section was found to be very difficult to complete because of the way it was formatted.

(ii) Section 7 -Location, Size, Tenure and Land Use

Because this section was spread over three pages, the Enumerators had difficulty in reconciling totals. Also for some of the questions in this section, the field widths were inadequate.

(iii) Sections 8 & 9- Crops Under Cultivation and Crops

Harvested and Sold

In these sections there was insufficient space to record all the crops cultivated and harvested under the respective headings for some large holders.

(iv) Section 10- Pasture, Ornamental Plants, Flowers and Nurseries

The information for this section proved quite difficult to obtain in the field particularly in the case of area under cultivation for Ornamental Plants, Flowers and Nurseries.

(v) Section 22- Seeds, Fertilizers and Chemicals

Again the information required here proved to be very difficult to obtain, as many respondents were unable to supply the necessary information especially by type of crop.

Data Processing

The use of the Scanning Technology proved quite challenging, as our Data Processing personnel were not quite familiar with the new software and equipment. As a result, lengthy delays were experienced in the processing of the Pilot Survey. Appendix VI provides a list of the problems experienced with the Data Processing of the Pilot Survey.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the Pilot Survey, the following are some recommendations:

(i) Careful consideration must be given in the recruitment of field staff with particular attention on proper handwriting, good interviewing techniques, pleasant personality, required qualifications and ability to use hand held calculators.

(ii) The training programme would be extended over a two-week period instead of one week. Also the use of multi-media equipment and other latest training techniques would be incorporated in the program.

(iii) Those questions and sections of the questionnaire that posed problems during the field exercise of the Pilot Survey would be amended to facilitate ease of administering in the field and to collect more reliable data.

(iv) Editing and Coding procedures would be strengthened by the insertion of more pre-coded items and the capturing of the data in the common unit of reporting. Also the field staff would be trained intensively to do more consistency and accuracy checks.

(v) Continued fieldwork and updating need to be carried out in order to improve the List Frame.

(vi) All Control Forms (field, office and data processing) would be amended with a view to simplify and control the flow of documents at every stage of the Census operation.

(vii) Where necessary, ED Maps would be revised.

(viii) An effective publicity campaign would reduce non-response and improve quality. Therefore an aggressive programme to sensitize the population on the 2004 Agricultural Census would be initiated soon.

(ix) Another mini Pilot Survey covering about twenty holders would be run some time during the last week of October and the first week of November 2003. This would be done principally to test all Data Processing procedures.

Problems encountered with the data processing stage of the Agriculture Census 2004

The data processing stage of the pilot survey consists of the following sub-stages. They are as follows:

designing of questionnaire;
scanning of questionnaires;
reading of images;
verifying of images;
preparation of fields for export;
preparation of data for external editing;
editing of data;
output of tabulations;
data back-up;

All questionnaires were stripped and batched in groups of ten and submitted for processing. In a memorandum dated August 07, 2003, the problems encountered at that time were listed. However, as at this point in time, many of them have been solved, some remain unresolved and new ones have been added. The problems as well as the solutions/recommendations are listed below alternately under sub- headings for ease of understanding.

Questionnaires' paper quality.

It is recorded (minutes of meeting on 05.09.2003) that the paper quality is not the recommended weight and texture suitable for the scanning. The recommended paper is OCR#24 pound paper. Apart from the settings unable to be adjusted on the scanner, pieces of paper; from the perforated edge of sheets as well as dust particles of the paper remain in the scanner and must be cleaned regularly. Pages were also torn during the process.

Recommendation

This problem is still outstanding, however, it is expected that this will be resolved for the Agriculture Census 2004. A fat bed scanner has been obtained.

Hardware:

The monitor for processing the images after scanning, as well as the monitor used for verification of the data on the images, should be wider. Due to the intensity of the task of constantly looking at the monitor i.e. checking images being scanned, perusing each image after a batch has been scanned looking for skewness, missing pages and image quality, a wider monitor will certainly reduce errors and prevent
a bottle-neck. Also, TELEform has specific organization to verify data. As such, with a wider screen, the verifier is better able to view the form/ questionnaire.
The workstation attached to the scanner must be upgraded. It is below the minimum specification for the efficient running of TELEform.

Other computers on the network need to be upgraded/replaced.

Recommendation

A decision was taken on 15.09.2003 to purchase six new computers with two 21- inch flat screen monitors, a one-gigabyte memory and Windows 2000 Operating System for the scanner.

Designing of Questionnaire

The specification of the barcode field on the pilot survey questionnaire was not the recommended specifications of the F AO consultant. The properties of the field contained the length 30 and code 39 (normal 44 characters) but the specification attached by the printers was different.

Recommendation

The barcode specification was changed to EAN-13 to enable TELEform to recognize it and enable the scanning of questionnaires of the pilot survey.

The data structure of some groups of data was not efficiently designed.

Recommendation

Since the questionnaire was activated without data structure being reviewed, a lot more programming must be done to organize the data for output

Key information, the individual number, was not captured as a data field.

Recommendation

Since the questionnaire was activated without adequate review a lot more programming must be done to organize the data for output.

Verifying of Images

Verification of images takes place in three modes: character mode, field mode and form mode. In character mode, all characters which do not have a TELEform handwriting template is thrown out as an error. Note that the interpretation of the letter or number is left to the verifier. There is no reference to the questionnaire only the batch its in. As such it is difficult to trace a letter/number to determine its validity-
During field mode verification, the verifier is unable to see the questionnaire images. Errors are brought up and only through the name of holder can the questionnaires be traced. This is to allow the verifier to change a field after checking the batch questionnaires.

Recommendation

Enumerators should be trained to write in the prescribed areas, standardize the forming of letters and numbers and writing clearly e.g. 0,6; 7,7; l,1. Special characters i. e. #, $ , are not allowed; text should start from the left and numeric from the right or following the format given.

During the form mode for verification, the verifier can see the questionnaire and can verify the choices to the various questions. It is speculated that the degree of skewing of the image on scanning determines the volume of form mode questionnaires to be scanned. It can cause a time lag.

Recommendations

Care must be takes to scan the questionnaires: the assumption that the maintenance kit is available. The questionnaires must be close at hand, batched and separated within the batches so as to be easily accessible for checking or the images will have to be checked to ensure accuracy.

Preparation of fields for export

Fields have not been efficiently organized into output files.

Recommendation

The IT staff is more experienced now to refine this stage of data processing.

Preparation of data for external editing

Bearing in mind the complexity of the Agriculture Census 2004 pilot survey questionnaire, the data structure of groups of data e.g. detail groups, standard groups and data groups were not efficiently done to achieve the greatest advantage.

Recommendation

Since the questionnaire was already activated, a lot more programming must be done to organize the data. The language being use is Visual Basic.

Back up of data

The back up of the system is not done. The back up of batches of questionnaire is complete.

Recommendation

This is still outstanding.

2 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME

OCTOBER 2003 TO SEPTEMBER 2004

2.1 NATIONAL INCOME DIVISION

(i.) Continue and attempt to complete work on a Supply and Use Table for the year 2000.

(ii.) Complete the Integrated Economic Accounts for the year 2000.

(iii.) Complete Institutional Sector Accounts and CCIS for the years 2000 and 2001.

(iv.) Prepare preliminary Tourism Satellite Accounts for the years 2000 and 2001.

(v.) Prepare National Health Accounts for the year 2002

(vi.) Continue work on Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households especially on Civil Society.

Organizations like Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.

(vii.) Continue to develop and strengthen modes # 3 and # 4 with respect to International Trade in

Services.

2.1.1 BUSINESS SURVEYS UNIT

(i) Complete Desk Manuals for all members of staff will be completed.

(ii) Editing manual to be completed.

(iii) Redesign of the questionnaires so as to improve response rate by making them more user friendly. This will be undertaken in conjunction with the National Income Division.

REGISTER UNIT

v The continuous daily updating and maintenance of the Business Register of Establishments.

v To continue the process of supplying relevant data as requested by the Public from the Register of Establishments database.

v To check and append new Vat Registrants to the Business Register of Establishments.

v To begin VAT update calls on the backlog from 2000 to 2002.

v Projects on Business Establishments Register:

· Assign TOBAGO firms on the Register Regional, Community and Parish codes.

· Cross checking all fields on the database with special emphasis on TTSIC and Industry for accuracy.

· American Companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago -to be updated.

· External Databases: TillCO Export Directory, NHA Developers, Boaters Directory.

· Develop a list of NHA contractors for the Construction Industry.

v To make as many calls as possible to complete Register Update forms.

SURVEY UNIT

(a) Daily update of survey database.

(b) 2nd and 3rd reminders for the 2002 survey to be dispatched.

(d) Phone calls to be made by the two members of staff to sample firms unassigned.

(e) Preparation of quarterly reports of response rate by interviewer.

(f) 2003 survey database to be built and survey to be dispatched.

v Reminders for 2003 survey

EDITING UNIT

v Editing of questionnaires received for the surveys (2001 and 2002) on the field-

v Financial extractions.

v Refresher training for field staff.

v Updating Register with questionnaires received.

2.2 ECONOMIC STATISTICS DIVISION

The programme of work for the Economic Statistics Division will focus on improving the timeliness of the current series and ensuring ready availability of the data to users.

(i) ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Routine work will continue to maintain the currency of the various Indices and to improve the timeliness of the Retail Price Index.

A preliminary Index of Productivity would be prepared.

The Occupational Wage Survey would be conducted and estimates prepared.

Economic Indicators Report 2002 will be prepared.

(ii) TRADE

Work is in progress to improve the timeliness of trade data from the current three months time lag to six weeks.

A quarterly trade report is in the planning stage.

(iii) TRAVEL AND TOURISM

An International Travel Report is in the planning stage. Plans are also being considered to have the Visitor Expenditure Survey included as a module of MIST. This will further improve the efficiency of the data reporting on Visitor Expenditure.

2.3 COMPUTER DIVISION

(i) GENERAL OBJECTIVES

· Provide/acquire appropriate training and reading material.

· Put necessary documentation (including policy, procedure, methodologies) in place.

· Provide on-line access to users of the Central Statistical Office's report bulletins and publications.

· Ensure that all work is up to date.

(ii) TRADE SYSTEM

Develop new tables for the bulletin.
Begin work to include the new HS2000 Tariff System.

(iii) TRAVEL SYSTEM

Automate the system for ad hoc request.

(iv) C.S.S.P.

Develop/Modify programs to include new income group.

(v) EDUCATION PRIMARY

Develop system to facilitate the new questionnaire.

(vii) 2000 POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS

Develop a system for dissemination of the data using WINr+. This will facilitate all Ad Hoc requests.

(vii) VITAL STATISTICS

Work on re-designing the system.

(viii) MISCELLANEOUS

Networking the entire office.

(ix) CONSTRAINTS

To successfully implement the Action Plan for the period October 2003 to September 2004 the following constraints must be addressed.

Training: changing technology requires that the staff be exposed to the relevant training.

(x) STAFFING REQUIREMENT

This will be necessary for the networking to be adequately maintained. The division will need a Data Base Administrator and a Network Administrator. The major functions of the Database Administrator are to arrange, secure, manage and maintain the data in the relational database environment. The major functions of the network administrator are to plan, direct and ensure efficient operations of the operating system and

communication software in the network.

2.4 SOCIAL AND VITAL STATISTlCS DIVISION

2.4.1 SOCIAL STATISTlCS SECTION

(i) CRIME STATISTICS:

(a) Collection, compilation and publication of Report on Crime Statistics 2000 to 2003.

(ii) GENDER STATISTICS

(b) Publication of Bulletins on Women and Men in Public

Participation, and Education and Training;

economic activity, crime and violence.

(iii) SOCIAL INDICATORS MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS COMMITTEE (SIMDG):

(a) A Cabinet appointed Committee is to be established.

(b) Data are to be collected for the period 1998-2002.

(iv) SOCIAL INDICATORS REPORT:

The collection and compilation of data for the preparation of the

Social Indicators Report for the period 1997-2003.

(v) CHILD INDICATORS MONITORING SYSTEM (CIMS) PROJECT:

(a) The conduct of Phase II of the CIMS Project is expected to continue through to February 2004.

(b) The design and testing of the Data Flow System Cycle preparation and review of draft documents.

(d) Plan and convene Workshop of stakeholders.

2.4.2 PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION SECTION

(i) ANNUAL STATISTICAL DIGEST

2000: -To be released as soon as received from Printery

2001: -AIl tables to be collated, compiled and checked by staff, then sent to be composed by computer division. The officer in charge of the National Income Division would be responsible for the editing process and it would be subsequently dispatched for printing.

(ii) POCKET DIGEST 2002

The pocket digest 2002 will be collated, compiled, completed and printed.

Data for the 2003 pocket digest would be requested from all internal and external suppliers of data, collated and then compiled.

(iii) DATA REQUESTS

AIl data requests will be handled promptly and efficiently, on a daily basis, by e-mail, fax, telephone and public contact and relevant vouchers prepared for the sale of reports and bulletins etc.

(iv) JOB CARDS

AIl job cards will be prepared and noted as is necessary whenever jobs are sent to the Printery.

(v) PRESS RELEASES

All press releases will be prepared and submitted to the various Ministries as the reports/bulletins become available from the Printery.

2.5 CONTINUOUS SAMPLE SURVEY OF POPULATION

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2003

Prepare and distribute workloads for periods 1-6 4th Quarter 2003.

Edit and code questionnaires for 3rd Quarter 2003 periods 5-6

Edit and code questionnaires for 4th Quarter 2003 periods 1-4.

Prepare quality controls north and south.

Prepare tables for 3rd Quarter 2003

Prepare bulletin for 3rd Quarter 2003

Compile and update sample selections

Attend to data requests.

Assists external agencies with sample selections and related work

JANUARY -MARCH 2004

Prepare and distribute workloads for periods 1-6 1^st Quarter 2004.

Edit and code questionnaires for 4th Quarter 2003 periods 5-6

Edit and code questionnaires for 181 Quarter 2004 periods 1-4.

Prepare quality controls north and south.

Prepare tables and bulletin for 4th Quarter 2003.

Compile and update sample selections

Attend to data requests.

Assist external agencies with sample selections and related work.

Create database for forecasting etc of labour force data.

Make preparation for revision of the CSSP questionnaire.

Develop training programmes for subject matter staff and field staff.

Develop alpha occupation coding manuals

Revise TTSIC Codes.

APRIL - JUNE 2004

Prepare and distribute workloads for periods 1-6 2nd Quarter 2004.

Edit and code questionnaires for 1^st Quarter 2004 periods 5-6

Edit and code questionnaires for 2^nd Quarter 2004 periods 1-4.

Prepare quality controls north and south.

Prepare tables and bulletin for 1^st Quarter 2004

Compile and update sample selections

Attend to data requests.

Assist external agencies with sample selections and related work.

Create database for forecasting etc of labour force data.

Begin work on the revision of the CSSP questionnaire.

Complete annual report 2003

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2004

Prepare and distribute workloads for periods 1-6 3rd Quarter 2004.

Edit and code questionnaires for 2nd Quarter 2004 periods 5-6

Edit and code questionnaires for 3rd Quarter 2004 periods 1-4.

Prepare quality controls north and south.

Prepare tables and bulletins for 2nd Quarter 2004.

Compile and update sample selections

Attend to data requests.

Assists external agencies with sample selections and related work.

Continue creation of database for forecasting etc. of labour force data. Continue work on the revision of the CSSP questionnaire.

Revision of CSSP Sample design.

6.2 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS DIVISION

During the year November 2003 to October 2004 the following will be accomplished:

(i) Food Crop Survey:

Complete enumeration of six (6) bi-monthly surveys
Continue surveys to collect data including data for Watercress, Christophene, Pineapple and Paw Paw.

(ii) Poultry and Pig Production Survey:

Conduct enumeration exercise on six (6) bi-monthly poultry surveys for the period September to October, November to December 2003. January to February, March to April, May to June and July to August 2004.
Conduct enumeration for the Pig Survey for the periods November to December 2003, January to March, April to June and July to August 2004.
Process and publish data for the survey periods via bulletins and Quarterly Agricultural Report

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT

ISSUES OF CONCERN FOR THE UNIT

REGISTER UNIT

Data Requests by Period, Cost Waived and Revenue Earned

October 2002- September 2003

EDITING UNIT

Questionnaires Received and Edited. Survey Year 2000 and 2001

TOTAL

THE TRADE SYSTEM

Quarter Year Periods

Quarter Year

MAPPING ACTIVITY

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ACTIVITY

Activity Status as at September 30th 2003

OBJECTIVES

SAMPLE SIZE

FIELD STAFF

Data Processing

Recommendations

Problems encountered with the data processing stage of the Agriculture Census 2004

Designing of Questionnaire

Verifying of Images

Preparation of fields for export

2 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME

REGISTER UNIT

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2003

JANUARY -MARCH 2004

APRIL - JUNE 2004

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2004

Activity Status as at September 30^th 2003