TCI Launches Statistics Authority to Strengthen Data-Driven Governance
- Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor
- 32 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The Turks and Caicos Islands now has an official statistics-collection body, with the launch of the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority during a ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Providenciales on Tuesday, May 26.
Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, officially declared the establishment of the authority, describing it as a major step toward strengthening governance, accountability, and national development.
“And so today marks an important milestone in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands as we officially launch a strengthened and modernized national statistical system,” the Premier said. “A system designed to provide accurate, timely, credible and transparent data for the advancement of our country and people.”
Premier Misick emphasized that reliable statistics are critical for planning, policy-making, investment, social development, and national resilience, adding that the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to evidence-based governance and sustainable development.
“This launch is not merely the introduction of a technical system,” he stated. “It is a declaration that the Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to building a modern state grounded in knowledge, accountability and strategic foresight.”
The Premier also praised Director of the Statistics Authority, Shirlen Forbes, and his team for their dedication in bringing the institution to life.
“As a politician, as Minister for Finance, as a Premier, my job is to set policy and give direction. But it takes people like yourself to implement and deliver,” Misick said while congratulating Forbes and his staff.
Director of the Statistics Authority, Shirlen Forbes, reflected on the vision behind the institution and stressed the importance of investing in people and building long-term institutional capacity.
“My vision has never been about one individual,” Forbes said. “It has always been about building an institution bigger than any one person, one founded in professionalism, innovation, and service.”
Forbes said the success of the authority would depend not only on legislation, but also on the people who will lead and sustain the institution into the future.
“The staff you see before you are the future of official statistics in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he stated. “They are the individuals who will collect the data, produce the statistics, inform national decisions, and uphold the reputation of this authority.”
He encouraged staff members to focus on developing the country’s overall capacity rather than
individual achievement.
“We are only as good as the people around us that we help to develop,” Forbes said. “Let us not focus on building our own capacity, but rather the Turks and Caicos Islands’ capacity.”
During his remarks, Forbes introduced members of the Statistics Authority team and acknowledged the role of the apprenticeship programme in helping to develop young statisticians and professionals within the institution.
Staff members also paid tribute to Forbes for his leadership and mentorship, crediting him with helping to recruit, train, and develop many of the authority’s current professionals.
They highlighted his role in advancing major milestones in the country’s statistical development, including the Statistics Act 2012 and the Statistical Authority Ordinance 2022, which paved the way for the establishment of the authority.
Chairman of the Statistics Authority Board, Pastor Bradley Handfield, welcomed attendees and described the launch as a renewed national commitment to professional excellence, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.
“Reliable statistics are essential for national development,” Handfield said. “Quality data help governments develop effective policies, enable businesses to make informed investment decisions, support researchers and development partners, and empower citizens with a better understanding of the social and economic realities of our country.”
Regional and international representatives also commended the Turks and Caicos Islands for modernizing its national statistical system.
Director of the Statistical Institute of Belize, Diana Castillo-Tirado, said the transition from a government department to an autonomous entity places the Turks and Caicos Islands among a growing number of Caribbean countries strengthening their national statistical offices.
CARICOM Director of Regional Statistics, Halim Brizan, described the establishment of the authority as “a bold and strategic step” that reflects the region’s commitment to improving governance, professional independence, and public access to reliable statistics.
Permanent Secretary of Finance Athenee Harvey-Basden said the authority would strengthen the production, coordination, and dissemination of official statistics while enhancing the country’s credibility with investors, development partners, and international institutions.
She highlighted several major statistical initiatives already completed, including the Survey of Living Conditions, Household Budget Survey, rebasing of national accounts, improvements in price statistics, and the development of a National Labour Survey Programme.
Held under the theme “Empowering Our Islands Through Data,” the ceremony celebrated what officials described as a transformative moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands and its future development.
Officials said the authority will improve national data collection and analysis across all sectors while ensuring that official statistics remain accessible, transparent, and aligned with international standards.
Guest speaker at the event was Demographer, and retired lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Dr. Godfrey St. Bernard.