TCI Census making strides; Provo progress slowed to crime

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, December 5, 2023 – For a second year, criminal activity has had a direct effect on the long-awaited Turks and Caicos Islands Census causing delays, particularly in densely populated communities of Providenciales.

“Providenciales, facing distinctive challenges due to its transient population, periodic serious crimes, and logistical difficulties, reports a completion rate slightly below fifty percent, explained Shirlen Forbes.  Chief Statistician in the Department in response to Magnetic Media.

Forbes went on to detail the issues in the November 27 update to our news organization.

“Multiple factors, including crime, contribute to the low completion rate on Providenciales. Enumerators face safety risks in certain areas with higher crime incidence, creating an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among residents. This has led to hesitations in visiting specific areas or households during periodic surges in violent crime, affecting the overall completion rate.”

The disheartening report emerges following a presentation at Cabinet.

Residents had suspected the unforgiving nature of the criminal element in the Turks and Caicos, known to shoot into crowds, recklessly and callously in an effort to hit their true target had created an unsafe environment.  This unchecked violence has stymied the collection of the much needed information.

In order to fix it the Department admits it needs more time, resources and new strategies.

“It’s essential to recognize that extension to the data collection period is not unique to the Turks and Caicos Islands, as other countries in the region, despite having richer census-taking histories and more resources, have faced similar challenges.”

As for the other islands the prognosis is much better.

Middle Caicos and Salt Cay with their significantly smaller populations and almost crime-free communities stand out with a 100 percent completion rate.  Still, the Department wants more refined data on these islands.

Grand Turk, South Caicos, and North Caicos all have completion rates exceeding 85 percent said Mr. Forbes.  The goal for these islands is to conclude the census by December 2023.

As for Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, Ambergris Cay and West Caicos, which are mainly resort islands, the completion is expected within the next two weeks,

Chief Statistician, Shirlen Forbes said while the progress on all islands outside of Providenciales is commendable, his office is also hoping to funnel quality data to the government

“While completion rates signify progress, the importance of data quality cannot be overstated. High completion rates don’t guarantee accurate data if the collection is rushed or incomplete. Ensuring data accuracy and quality is imperative for the overall success of the census.”