Bureau to test census procedures ahead of population count later this year 

Preparations are moving apace to successfully execute Guyana’s 2022 population and housing census with a pilot census to be executed from May 15 to 21 in regions 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10.

Expected to target approximately 730 households, this is being done in an effort to ensure the efficient execution of the upcoming national exercise by the Bureau of Statistics.

Conducting a pilot census is a practice used in most censuses. It is a comprehensive test of all census procedures. During the pilot census, all stages of the census process are to be tested: mapping, interviewing, data capture, processing, and evaluation of census results.

In a statement on Monday, the Bureau said some of its staff are undergoing one week of intensive training to conduct the pilot census, during which they will be interviewing household members.

Personnel will be equipped with the requisite means of identification and all of the information provided to them will be treated with the strictest of confidence. These persons have taken a confidentiality oath in order for this to be binding.

In order to ensure the success of this exercise, it is imperative that the staff receive the full participation, cooperation and support of the interviewees, the Bureau said in the statement.

If a person is visited during the pilot Census, they will be visited again during the actual Census, which will be executed in all administrative regions.

Meanwhile, among the other preparatory works for the execution of the Census countrywide is the recruitment of approximately 3000 temporary personnel countrywide to serve as Area Coordinators, Field Supervisors and Enumerators

The population and housing census is Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, which is conducted every ten years. Guyana’s last Census was conducted in 2012.

This is an extremely important exercise that produces a large amount of socio-economic and demographic data that is used for planning and national development.

The Census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and therefore should be viewed as more than just a headcount. These changes include size, composition, economic activities, quality of life, access to basic social services, Maternal Health, food security, Agriculture and Education.