ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, April 6, 2017 – GIS: Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Dr. Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell says implementation of an action Plan on Statistics must be a priority for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The plan was developed by CARICOM Statisticians at a meeting in Grenada in 2014.

Once implemented, it will result in strengthening of national statistical systems, promoting careers in statistics, and revolutionizing statistical processes through ICT.

Dr. Mitchell, who delivered the keynote address at the Paris 21 annual Board meeting on Wednesday, said the plan is important as the Caribbean seeks to deliver on sustainable development goals and national strategic plans.

“This is also a model that can be replicated by all SIDS. The issue of capacity development of SIDS must be a collaborative effort with our developmental partners for there to be sustainability in our initiatives. Although our governments have an important role to play in the development of statistics and in allocating more resources to this cause, CARICOM alone will not be able to implement the action plan,” Dr. Mitchell said.

“This is why, on behalf of all SIDS, I want to solicit greater support from developmental partners, especially as we are required to make huge investments into the development of statistics in order to advance the 2030 development agenda,” the Grenada Prime Minister said.