The inability of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, STATIN, to recruit the required census takers, has resulted in a further extension of the census exercise.
The 15th population and housing census was expected to be completed in December following commencement in September last year.
However, a number of challenges including administrative issues caused the deadline to be extended to March 31 which will not be met. The Agency has only been able to recruit about 4,000 of the targeted 7,000 field workers at any time, with some leaving the job.
Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke said Statin has doubled the compensation for workers.
At today’s meeting of the Standing Finance Committee, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson, queried why there has been such a high staff turnover. Dr. Clarke admitted that Statin is facing challenges with the census.
