2022 Census data to be published next year; options available for persons not counted

Data garnered during the 2022 population and housing census will be made available to the public in 2024, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh assured the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Dr. Singh said despite challenges, the Bureau of Statistics is expected to publish the preliminary report by the second quarter of 2024 and all results from the census by the end of 2024.

The Finance Minister was at the time responding to questions from Opposition Parliamentarian Annette Ferguson.

“We share your concern for a timely completion of census… the government’s position is that we would like a timely conclusion,” Dr. Singh said.

Whatever the challenge, inclusive of inclement weather or competing national events, Dr, Singh said it has resulted in many persons or households not being captured in the census.

This is so despite several follow-up visits.

However, for persons not counted in the census, a few options are available to ensure they are captured. It includes a census feedback form which can be filled out on the website of the Bureau of Statistics [https://statisticsguyana.gov.gy/census/feedback/]. Households can also send messages via WhatsApp on 701-8700 or 701-8701.

Along with this, Dr, Singh said the Bureau has been cross-checking with alternative data from utility companies and other major entities.

“Efforts will continue diligently… we would like maximum coverage in census.

“Work continues to minimize and eliminate instances of non-coverage,” Dr. Singh told the House.

The 2022 census kicked off on September 15, 2022.

A Population & Housing Census is a complete count of the population, which is conducted every 10 years and provides detailed data on population size, age structure, educational attainment, labour force, housing, and many other socio-economic characteristics.

Guyana’s last Census was conducted in 2012, and since then, there have been many changes across the length and breadth of the country.

These changes include the population size, composition, economic activities, access to social services, maternal health, food security, agricultural activity and education attainment, among other areas of change.

The Census, Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, is more than just a headcount, as it plays a critical role in evaluating the aforementioned changes and data collected during the 2022 Census will contribute significantly towards chartering the course of national development over the next ten years.