The Central Statistical Office, or CSO as it's known, has been compiling statistics to Belize for decades. Every census, every unemployment or inflation figure, every aggregate total of exports or imports - all that has come from the CSO. It's a vast body of work, but not un-tainted. Those who've been in the office tell us that it's not unfair to say that over the years, it was not uncommon for Ministers with an eye for figures, to urge the CSO technicians to cook the figures maybe just a little or a lot. But in the post G-7 season of reform, it was one more thing that had to be cleaned up. Former Development Minister Mark Espat introduced the idea to form an independent institute, funded by but separate from government. That institute, the SIB, was launched today.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
Today at the launch of the Statistical Institute of Belize - the transition from the Central Statistical Office, a government department, to the Statistical Institute of Belize, an glowing autonomous statutory body, was hailed as more than just a changeover. It is, they say, a transformation. Glenn Avilez is the Director General.
Glenn Avilez, Director General
"It is a liberation and a freeing up of information."
And a critical one - because an informed citizenry is key to a functioning democracy.
Omar Ortiz, Board Member - SIB
"Official statistics are regarded as a state responsibility an indispensable element of a democratic society's information system. They are thus seen as an entitlement of every citizen and should be made available on an impartial basis and in a timely manner."
And frankly when government puts out statistics….
Glenn Avilez,
"The public as you would know Jules is very wary of official statistics. When they come from the Minister, Chief Executive Officer, Head of Department, there is always suspicion as to are those numbers really true."
But now Avilez says they are true and trustworthy - because they are independent.
Glenn Avilez,
"If we going to get public confidence in the figures hat you produce, it has to be removed as far as possible from the politician and this new change makes it at arm's length by the creation of a board that oversees the management and operation of the institute."
Government appoints 5 of the ten members of that board, but Avilez is convinced and committed to independence - no matter how high the stakes.
Jules Vasquez,
Are you all prepared now to put out a figure and if it is what it is, are you all prepared to put out a figure in an election year where inflation is maybe twice 4%, if that is the case?
Glenn Avilez,
"We have always been prepared to publish our statistics; that whatever the figures show, I have the support of my board, I have the personal conviction that I am going to tell the Belizean public the truth, whatever it is. If it is good, let them know it. If it is bad, then they will know it all the same."
Jules Vasquez,
Is it a liberating feeling but also a sort of frightening feeling to know that the numbers you put out could swing an election?
Glenn Avilez,
"It is a liberating feel indeed. Frightened? I am not sure. We have planned for next year a poverty survey, which is an election year. That survey is slated around the first quarter."
And while those figures will probably not be out until after the election, Avilez says that one of the main issues here is unfettered and universal access to information.
Glenn Avilez,
"One of the big advantages of this change is that it provides equal access to all, for all information that we produce. So it is not a case that Jules cannot get information until Minister so and so has seen it. So you can call the office at anytime, so long as the information is available, and I will decide when it is available, it is there for you. The Minister will be getting it at the same time, John Q public at the same time."
And the press should hold Avilez's office up to that challenge.
The SIB has private offices in Belmopan.
