Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville, joined by officials from the Department of Statistics and Department of Social Services, on Monday sent out a special appeal for residents to cooperate fully with enumerators conducting the 2013 Household Expenditure Survey. The Minister’s appeal came during a press conference held in the conference room of the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

Other senior officials making a similar appeal included Mrs. Clara Lowe, Assistant Director, Department of Statistics, and Mrs. Paula Marshall, Assistant Director, Department of Statistics. “First and foremost, I would like to encourage all residents from east to west Grand Bahama to assist the government and the Department of Statistics to complete this important survey, which will help the government and the ministry for Grand Bahama to obtain and compile information about the poverty levels on Grand Bahama and the entire country,”

Dr. Darville said in his opening statement. Continuing, he pointed out that the survey will help to establish a new consumer bread basket list and revise the existing retail price index. “This survey is a lengthily one, as it covers a wide range of subject matters that will help the government and the ministry for Grand Bahama to establish policy and programmes going forward.

“Therefore, we request your patience with the officers from the Department of Statistics, who will be in your neighbourhoods conducting the survey,” the Grand Bahama minister stated. Mrs. Lowe noted that enumerators will be visiting homes mid-February through April to collect household information.

She also pointed out that the survey is designed to gather, study, and analyse information on the expenditure patterns of residents in The Bahamas and to obtain information on the relative levels of wellbeing, especially the poor. According to Mrs. Lowe the survey has two main objectives which is designed to collect information from the country’s households and families on their buying habits, income and other characteristics and the calculation of a poverty line and information indicating the level and extent of poverty in the country.

She further touched on the Consumer Price Index, noting that the survey will provide information which measures the changes in the prices of goods and services bought by the household. Persons having any questions or concerns regarding the survey can contact the Department of Statistics at 352-7196. It was pointed out that some 2000 households throughout the country will be surveyed. Approximately 350 households from Grand Bahama and over 150 from Abaco and Bimini have been randomly selected for this exercise.