In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, the execution of national censuses across the world has encountered formidable hurdles. Jamaica, in its ambitious effort to conduct the 2022 Population and Housing Census, found itself navigating a complex landscape fraught with obstacles not of its making or unique to its shores.

The story of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica’s (Statin) endeavour is not one of failure, but one of resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to integrity, mirroring a global phenomenon whereby nations strive against the odds to uphold the essential task of census-taking.

Globally, the 2020 round of censuses has been anything but straightforward. Countries from every continent have grappled with myriad unforeseen challenges, from the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the rapid evolution of technology and the growing concerns over privacy and data security. These challenges have necessitated a rethinking of traditional approaches, pushing national statistics offices worldwide to innovate and adapt. Jamaica’s experience is a testament to a shared global struggle, underscoring the fact that the island nation is not alone in its quest to conduct a comprehensive and accurate census.

Canada’s 2016 census is a prime example of overcoming adversity through technology. After a contentious 2011 census, Statistics Canada made a significant push towards digital data collection. The majority of Canadians completed their census online for the first time, a move that not only improved response rates but also enhanced data security and processing efficiency. This digital pivot, mirrored by Statin’s adoption of tablet computers, underscores the critical role technology plays in modernising data collection methods and overcoming logistical hurdles.

Estonia, a global leader in digital governance, conducted one of the world’s first e-censuses in 2011, allowing residents to complete their census questionnaires online. This innovative approach to digital data collection has been a guiding light for countries like Jamaica, showcasing the potential of leveraging technology to streamline census processes and enhance participant convenience.

Indeed, many of the hurdles encountered by Statin were unforeseeable, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a prime example. The pandemic not only necessitated a shift towards digital data collection methods sooner than many were prepared for but also introduced significant obstacles in conducting face-to-face interviews and entering community spaces. Yet the response to these challenges was swift and effective. By adopting tablet computers for data collection and implementing virtual training sessions for enumerators, Statin demonstrated a nimbleness and a capacity for innovation that ensured the continuation of this critical national project.

Moreover, the remedial actions taken by Statin in the face of these obstacles are firmly rooted in international best practices. The shift to digital data collection mirrors efforts in countries like Canada and Australia, which have successfully leveraged technology to enhance census accuracy and efficiency. The adoption of short-form questionnaires and the strategic deployment of travelling teams for enumeration are reflective of tactics employed by statistical offices globally to ensure data completeness and mitigate undercoverage.

Furthermore, Jamaica’s engagement with the international statistical community, including technical support from the United Nations and regional bodies, highlights a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. These collaborations have provided Statin with access to a wealth of knowledge and best practices, ensuring that the measures taken are not only reactive but strategically aligned with global standards of statistical rigour and innovation.

Critics may be quick to point out the delays and operational hiccups, yet they fail to appreciate the magnitude of conducting a census under such extraordinary circumstances. The reality is that the very essence of a census — to count every individual and capture the demographic, social, and economic fabric of a nation — is a monumental task even in the best of times. When faced with unforeseen global crises, the task becomes Herculean.

In its execution of the 2022 Population and Housing Census thus far, Statin has displayed the resilience and adaptability seen across the global statistical community. The challenges have been significant, but the response to date has been robust, marked by an unwavering commitment to preserve the integrity of the census. As Jamaica and the rest of the world continue to navigate these uncertain times, the lessons learnt and the strategies employed will undoubtedly serve as a blueprint for future endeavours, ensuring that the vital work of understanding our communities goes on, undeterred by the challenges of the day.

In the final analysis, the narrative surrounding Jamaica’s census should be one of triumph over adversity. It should serve as a compelling chapter in the global story of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to the fundamental pursuit of knowledge and understanding through statistics. It is a story worth telling, and more importantly, a story worth celebrating.