THE WORKSHOP BROUGHT TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES, STATUTORY AGENCIES AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Saint Lucia has taken another significant step toward strengthening evidence-based policymaking following the successful conclusion of a three-day Data Interpretation, Validation and Report Compilation Workshop for the 7th round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7).
The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, statutory agencies and development partners to review the survey's preliminary findings, validate the results against existing national data and provide technical feedback before preparation of the final national report.
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at UNICEF Eastern Caribbean, Tashana Providence-Forde, described the exercise as a critical milestone in ensuring that the survey delivers meaningful results for the country.
"The data collected through MICS is part of a global survey programme, allowing Saint Lucia to compare its progress with countries around the world. More importantly, the findings will provide the Government with valuable insights to plan programmes and develop policies that respond to the needs of children, women and families across the country."
Providence-Forde commended the active participation of stakeholders throughout the three-day workshop, noting that their technical expertise and engagement would strengthen the accuracy and relevance of the final report before publication.
Director of Statistics at the Central Statistical Office, Shawn Mathurin, explained that the workshop formed a vital part of the survey's quality assurance process by allowing subject matter experts to assess whether the preliminary findings accurately reflected realities on the ground.
"The objective was to present the preliminary findings to our stakeholders and subject matter experts so they could determine how consistent the results are with what obtains on the ground. The feedback we've received will help us refine the data and ensure the final report provides decision-makers with reliable evidence to guide policies and programmes."
The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is one of the world's leading household surveys, providing internationally comparable data on the health, education and well-being of women, children and men, while also tracking progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGD's). In Saint Lucia, the survey was implemented through a partnership involving the Central Statistical Office, the Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons, and UNICEF.
The MICS examines the socio-economic development of a country, specifically that of women, children under 5 years old, as well as children from 5 to 17 years. This latest MICS 7 survey also targeted men between the age range of 15 to 49 years old.
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