WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO – In a pivotal call to action, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Armstrong Alexis has underscored the urgent need for the Caribbean region to strategize and scale up innovative approaches to enhance its statistical landscape. Speaking at the opening of Caribbean Data Day on October 30, 2025, Dr. Alexis highlighted that leveraging high-quality data, propelled by advancements in technology, is fundamental for creating effective policies that drive sustainable transformation and secure a more prosperous future for all citizens.
The Imperative for Data Excellence
The Caribbean region faces a complex array of challenges, from the escalating impacts of the climate crisis to persistent issues of poverty and vulnerability. To effectively navigate these challenges and foster robust development, reliable and comprehensive data is paramount. Dr. Alexis noted that statisticians, policymakers, and development partners must collaborate to identify and close critical data gaps. This includes data essential for measuring monetary and multidimensional poverty, tracking progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and understanding the region’s resilience to climate-related shocks.
The ongoing “25 by 25” initiative, aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill, serves as a prime example of how data-driven targets can guide policy. While the initial target faced mitigation factors, Member States have recommitted to an expanded “25 by 25 plus” initiative, setting a new goal for 2030. This underscores the critical role of accurate statistical insights in achieving tangible regional objectives and ensuring food security.
Harnessing Technology and Innovation
Dr. Alexis emphasized that the future of statistics and data utilization in the Caribbean lies in embracing innovation and technology. The digital transformation sweeping the globe offers immense potential for the region to improve its data collection, analysis, and dissemination capabilities. Open data initiatives, which make data freely available for reuse, are emerging as key strategies for fostering transparency and driving innovation across the Caribbean. By embracing these advancements, governments can create a more efficient and responsive public sector. However, the digital divide remains a significant hurdle, with disparities in internet penetration and access to technology posing challenges to equitable data utilization.
Collaborative Partnerships for Progress
Caribbean Data Day, jointly hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the World Bank, serves as a vital platform for dialogue and strategizing. This collaborative spirit extends to numerous partnerships aimed at strengthening statistical capacity. The CARICOM Secretariat actively collaborates with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to develop frameworks for measuring poverty and vulnerability, a project piloted in several member states to enhance data systems for development strategies and resilience building. Such partnerships are crucial for pooling resources, sharing expertise, and developing region-wide solutions.
Initiatives like the Project for the Regional Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean (PRASC), funded by the Government of Canada, have historically played a role in building statistical capacity, offering training and assistance to National Statistical Offices across CARICOM countries. These efforts are vital for equipping the region with the robust statistical methods and approaches needed for evidence-based decision-making.
Bridging Gaps for Resilience and a Sustainable Future
Addressing specific data gaps, such as those related to weather and climate, is crucial for enhancing resilience to extreme weather events. Workshops supported by entities like the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and the Climate Risk & Early Warning Systems initiative (CREWS) are actively working to close these gaps and improve early warning systems in the Caribbean.
The overarching goal is to transform the Caribbean’s statistical landscape into a robust engine for development. By prioritizing data-driven policies, fostering technological adoption, and strengthening regional collaboration, the Caribbean can build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. The news from Caribbean Data Day signals a renewed commitment to harnessing the power of information for the betterment of all its people.