Caribbean Statistics Day

Caribbean Statistics Day is observed every year on 15 October across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It highlights the vital role statistics play in improving the daily lives of the people of the Region, in regional integration and in sustainable development, and it raises the profile of statistics and statisticians across the Caribbean. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) joins National Statistical Offices throughout CARICOM in marking the day.

Caribbean Statistics Day 2026

This year's theme

Harmonising Data, Strengthening Resilience

For small island states, resilience depends on how well we prepare, how effectively we respond and how we learn from each crisis. Statistics that are consistent and comparable across CARICOM Member States give the Region a clear, reliable picture of its vulnerabilities, and the evidence it needs to act.

Consistent and comparable

Common standards, definitions and classifications, set out in the CARICOM Code of Good Statistical Practices, allow national data to be combined into a clear picture of the whole Region.

Prepared for shocks

Timely, reliable data helps assess damage, identify affected communities and direct resources after disasters, and strengthens preparedness long before they strike.

Stronger together

Sharing expertise, adopting common approaches and investing in National Statistical Offices, technology and regional collaboration build a stronger statistical system for all.

“Our collective resilience and overall sustainable development depend on our shared ability to know, measure and act.” — Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General

Message from the Director General

The Director General's Caribbean Statistics Day message will be available here shortly.

Leesha Delatie-Budair, Director General, Statistical Institute of Jamaica

Previous Observances

2025 17th observance

Improving Lives through Statistics: Strengthening and Innovating Together

The 2025 observance marked the close of the 2024–2025 Year of Statistics in CARICOM, which celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians. During the year the Region placed renewed emphasis on standards and harmonisation, and began institutionalising the CARICOM Quality Assurance Framework, the CARICOM Code of Good Statistical Practices and the Generic Statistical Business Process Model.

Read the CARICOM Secretary-General's 2025 message | Watch STATIN's Caribbean Statistics Day 2025 video
2024 16th observance

STATIN marked the 16th observance of Caribbean Statistics Day with a message from the Director General.

Watch the Director General's Caribbean Statistics Day 2024 message
2023 15th observance

One Voice, One CARICOM: Everyone Counts

Observed as CARICOM celebrated 50 years as a Caribbean Community, the 2023 theme stressed that everyone counts and everyone must be counted. It called on governments and citizens to support National Statistical Offices in completing the 2020 Round of Population and Housing Censuses, which had been delayed in many Member States by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the CARICOM Secretary-General's 2023 message
2021 13th observance

Leave No One Behind – Everyone Counts

The 2021 theme was shared with the launch of the 2020 Round of Population and Housing Censuses, and the observance underscored the crucial role statistics played in the Region's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the CARICOM Secretary-General's 2021 message
2014 6th observance

Data Revolution for Sustainable Development of CARICOM – Designing and Operationalising a Framework for Statistics in the Post 2015 Development Agenda

STATIN marked the day with a symposium at the Mona Visitors Lodge, University of the West Indies, under the theme “Youth, Age 15–24 – A Situational Analysis”. The symposium profiled Jamaica's youth with a focus on employment, education, fertility and crime, and the keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Youth and Culture.

Read the JIS article
2013 5th observance

Caribbean Statistics Day 2013 coincided with the International Year of Statistics and with the 40th anniversary of the Caribbean Community.

Read the CARICOM Secretary-General's 2013 message
2009 1st observance

Caribbean Statistics Day was observed for the first time.

Resources

FAQ

What is Caribbean Statistics Day?

It is an annual observance across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that recognises the vital role of statistics in improving the lives of the people of the Region, and raises the profile of statistics and statisticians.

When is Caribbean Statistics Day observed?

Every year on 15 October. It was first observed in 2009, and 2026 marks the 18th observance.

What is the theme for 2026?

“Harmonising Data, Strengthening Resilience”.

Why does harmonised data matter?

When Member States use common standards, definitions and classifications, their statistics can be compared and combined. This gives a reliable picture of the whole Region and supports better decisions at both the national and regional levels.

Who should I contact for more information?

Contact STATIN at (876) 630-1600 or info@statinja.gov.jm.