Statistics bureau to play key role in nation’s future |11 August 2010

Vice-President Danny Faure – who is also Minister for Finance and Trade – said this at the first meeting of the board of directors of the newly established NBS.

The meeting, which took place yesterday in the Department of Information Communication Technology’s boardroom at Caravelle House, was also attended by Jeanne Simeon, principal secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, and Pierre Laporte, governor of the Central Bank.

The National Bureau of Statistics Bill 2010, calling for the bureau to be set up as an independent and principal agency, was presented by Mr Faure to the National Assembly for approval last month.

He congratulated the board’s chairperson Caroline Abel and its members from different professional backgrounds representing government, civil and private sectors, and the bureau’s chief executive Laura Ah-Time on their appointments.

A legal framework has been established to govern the statistical activities not only of the NBS but of the entire national statistical system, he added.

“It allows the bureau to carry out its functions with more credibility, impartiality, transparency and autonomy,” he said.

Mr Faure said that as our country progresses with its economic reform programme, the growing need for data has called for the recasting of the legal framework, with the aim of modernising it and bringing it in line with current international standards and recommended best practices.

He said the bureau will be able to support government ministries and departments by providing advice on collecting, compiling and publishing statistical information, and in so doing help to eliminate any duplication.

Mr Faure also spoke about the responsibilities and duties of the chief executive, the chairperson and board members, which he said will improve transparency and accountability. 

He called on the team to play an active role in helping the bureau deliver a quality service which should be both dynamic and forward thinking to accommodate new needs, take on new challenges and meet the demands of developments at national and international level.

Ms Abel said statistics are a critical component in decision making and providing data to monitor progress. With the proper support from its stakeholders and other partners, the bureau will ensure these objectives are met. 

Ms Ah-Time said with changes in the national economic climate there is a growing need for relevant, reliable and readily accessible data to guide and support informed decision and policy making.

She said in going with the flow of recommended statistical development, Seychelles is moving a step closer to becoming integrated into the internationally accepted practices praised by the United Nations and other organisations.