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PREFACE
Jamaica conducted its Fourteenth Census of Population and Housing in 2011. Under the
provisions of the Statistics Act, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is vested
with the authority to conduct any census in Jamaica. The census plays an essential role
in all elements of the national statistical system, including the economic and social
components. Census statistics are used as benchmarks for statistical compilation or as a
sampling frame for household sample surveys. The national statistical system of almost
every country relies on sample surveys for efficient and reliable data collection. Without
the sampling frame derived from the population and housing census, the national
statistical system would face difficulties in providing current reliable official statistics.
While recognizing the importance of the census however, countries are faced with
serious resource constraints. Census taking in Jamaica faces not only the challenge of
limited resources but an apathetic public which views official data collection with
suspicion and even hostility. Despite a vibrant publicity programme for Census 2011,
the level of cooperation particularly in some urban centres was disappointing. Worker
attitude also presented problems as in a number of cases workers had to be relieved of
their duties due to poor and or unproductive work. There was not always sufficient
recognition of the fact that remuneration was for work done.
The processing of the census returns is a massive undertaking for which STATIN sought
to utilize modern technology for this phase. The data processing of the questionnaires
was out-sourced to XSOMO International Ltd., who was required to produce the
electronic data in a database format and images of the questionnaires. Scanning of the
forms which began in June 2011 ended on January 31, 2012. The data editing and
cleaning were done using software developed internally and shared via the intranet. The
validity and consistency checks which followed have been completed for those variables
which have been included in this report. A full and clean database, from which tables on
all census topics will be produced, is expected by December 2012.
This report is the first output from the census. It presents tabulations on the key
variables from both the population and the housing census. The variables are as follows:
•
Population
: Age, Sex, Ethnicity, Marital Status, Religious Affiliation
•
Housing
:
Tenure of Dwelling, Availability and Type of Toilet , Kitchen and
Bathroom Facilities, Fuel used for Cooking, Source of Lighting,
Source of Water for Domestic Use, Type of Water for Drinking,
Method of Disposal of Solid Waste, Availability of Telephone and
other Communication Devices and facilities
Subsequent reports presenting data for parishes and for topics covered will be produced
based on a schedule to be determined. At a later date, The Statistical Institute will
entertain requests for unpublished data according to stipulated procedures and
conditions.
This Report has been prepared within the Division of Censuses, Social and Demographic
Statistics working in close collaboration with the Information and Technology Division.