KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has announced the appointment of Leesha Delatie-Budair as its new director-general, effective Monday, September 1.

In a statement on Tuesday, STATIN said Delatie-Budair, who has more than two decades of experience in economics and statistics, has played a key role in modernising Jamaica’s statistical systems to align with international standards.

She previously served as deputy director-general, where she oversaw the institute’s statistical divisions, and as director of research, design and evaluation (RD&E), leading the team responsible for maintaining STATIN’s statistical infrastructure.

Her leadership extends beyond Jamaica. She currently serves as a member of the United Nations steering committee for the revision of the Handbook on Household Surveys, where she is a lead chapter author, and has represented the country as the national focal point on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicators. She also served on the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the SDGs (IAEG-SDGs).

She holds a Master of Science degree in economic development policy from the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and statistics from UWI. She also earned a postgraduate certificate in survey sampling from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and is a graduate of the university’s Sampling Programme for Survey Statisticians. She is a member of the International Association of Survey Statisticians (IASS).

STATIN Board Chairman Robert Stennett welcomed her appointment, noting that her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the institute’s mission.

“The appointment of Ms Leesha Delatie-Budair as director-general marks a pivotal moment in STATIN’s journey toward development,” he said. “Her visionary leadership and international expertise will elevate Jamaica’s statistical capacity to meet evolving global standards. The board is confident that under her stewardship, STATIN will continue to transform and innovate, strengthening partnerships and collaborative engagement with stakeholders as we work together in delivering high-quality, timely data that supports evidence-based decision-making.”