Saint Lucia launches National Statistics Strategy
Castries, Saint Lucia – September 2025 – The Saint Lucia Central Statistical Office (CSO) launched the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) on September 25th 2025 at the Harbor Club Hotel with the purpose to modernise and strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) within the period 2025 to 2030. The strategy aims to support inclusive national development, advance evidence-based policymaking, and fulfill regional and international reporting obligations.
In collaboration with the World Bank (WB) and the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21), the launch was attended by CARICOM Deputy Secretary General Armstrong Alexis, and Cabinet Secretary Agosta Degazon.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Youth Economy Cabinet Secretary Agosta Degazon stated “The Government is dedicated to supporting the achievement of this objective by providing the necessary resources to empower and strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) in which each of you play a significant role. We are committed to enhancing the processes and establishing the framework that will facilitate a harmonized system for the production to dissemination of official statistics, utilizing international best practices.”
The strategy is developed around seven strategic pillars including statistical governance and coordination, data quality and standardization, statistical capacity development, data access, use, and innovation, resource mobilisation and sustainability, outreach, sensitisation, and communication, and monitoring, evaluation, and implementation.
National Development Chief Economist Nadia Wells-Hyacinth in her address on behalf of Permanent Secretary Paul Hilaire advised “Our National Statistical System is central to this data-focused approach, serving as the primary hub for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistical information in Saint Lucia.”
The development of Saint Lucia’s NSDS followed a structured, phased approach aligned with PARIS21 guidelines, emphasising broad-based stakeholder engagement. It included audits, reviews, and assessments of the NSS. In June of this year, a three-day workshop brought together key representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, regional partners, and civil society stakeholders to build consensus around a coordinated and strategic approach to improving data quality.
World Bank Economist Anna Luisa Paffhausen and PARIS 21 Inter-Regional Advisor Paz Patino congratulated Saint Lucia on this momentous occasion, acknowledging the technical capacity, experience, and commitment of the CSO to coordinate and motivate stakeholder participation for the country.
Ms. Paffhausen indicated “The NSDS is a very important exercise, not only for Saint Lucia, but also for the OECS Data for Decision Making Project. I look forward to the NSDS being submitted for formal adoption soon, to adequately represent the progress and all the efforts that went in getting us here, since this is an important indicator in the Project’s Results Framework.”
Consultant for the NSDS Deron Boyce conveyed “I must also acknowledge that Saint Lucia’s NSDS is historic; while there are only three other Caribbean Jurisdictions who have completed an NSDS – Saint Lucia will be the first publicly accessible NSDS that is also recognised, supported, and soon to be shared by PARIS 21.” Belize recently launched its second strategy in 2025, Guyana developed an NSDS in 2018, and Grenada undertook an assessment in 2017 to identify development needs as part of its NSDS initiative.
CARICOM Deputy Secretary General Armstrong Alexis communicated that Saint Lucia’s achievement aligns with the Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (RSDS) for the period of 2019-2030. “This is truly a notable achievement for us in CARICOM, particularly as we commemorate the Year of Statistics in CARICOM under the theme Improving Lives Through Statistics, Strengthening and Innovating Together, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians, which I understand Saint Lucia is currently chairing this year.”
Director of the Central Statistical Office, Mr. Sean Mathurin, extended gratitude to the funders and partners of the OECS Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project for their continued support in advancing Saint Lucia’s statistical landscape. He emphasized that the resources and technical assistance provided through the World Bank, the OECS Commission, and PARIS21 have been instrumental in enabling Saint Lucia to strengthen its statistical system and build a solid foundation for evidence-based policymaking.
Mr. Mathurin stated, “To everyone who contributed, our partners, stakeholders, and above all, the dedicated staff of the Statistics Department, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your hard work, patience, and belief in our shared mission have made this proud moment possible.”
The Central Statistical Office is the national authority responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of official statistics in Saint Lucia. Its role is to provide accurate, timely, and relevant data to support evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation, and national development planning. The CSO is committed to the successful implementation of the NSDS.
For more information on the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, visit the Central Statistical Office’s website at https://stats.gov.lc/ or contact the organisation via email at statsdept@govt.lc.
Media Contacts
Nikisha Toppin
Communications and Publicity Consultant
Data for Decision Making Project Saint Lucia
1-246-241-3147