The Hon. Michael H. Dunkley, JP, MP
Premier of Bermuda

May 20^th is Census Day and May 21^st is the day when Bermuda officially begins the process of counting its entire population – a process which is intended to last through the fall.

As a general reminder, the benefit of a Census is that it provides a snapshot of the size and profile of the population and housing stock at a given point of time.

Historically, Census data has been used to develop effective strategies relating to infrastructure, education, health, employment and other economic and social issues.

The length of time between the 2010 and 2016 Censuses is the smallest in Bermuda’s history. We believe that more frequent censuses would allow Government, its partners and community stakeholders to make policies and decisions based on current information.

Our objectives are very simple. First and foremost, we hope to have everyone’s full participation in the 2016 Census. We also want to make this as convenient as possible. In that regard Census data will be collected in a variety of ways including online, telephone interviews, personal interviewsand/or by mail.

The 2016 Census will be conducted in four phases using the following methods:

• A web-based application for the collection and management of census information during the 2016 Census of Population and Housing.
• Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI);
• Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) using net-books; and
• A mail-out questionnaire option.

I should point out that historically, data collection in Bermuda’s censuses involved person-to-person interviews only.

In the 2010 Census, the Department of Statistics introduced telephone interviewing as a data collection method. This year, as we introduce the primary and preferred method of online data collection, again, we are encouraging all residents to participate. We believe that the e-census method is the quickest, easiest and most convenient method. Please follow the steps on the letter that is being mailed to your household today.

As an assurance, l think it’s important to remind residents that all information and data gathered from you is protected as outlined in the Statistics Act, 2002. So all information collected is held in the strictest of confidence.

Lastly, this is a national undertaking, and by law, every individual in our community must be counted – in every Parish across our Island.

So it’s your civic duty to participate. During the last Census, we counted roughly 64,000 people. However it goes beyond just counting the numbers. Ultimately it’s about improving your quality of life, supporting all our families, ensuring safer communities and strengthening our workforce and economy.

Again, Census 2016 data collection starts on May 21^st. Every resident has a unique opportunity to make a difference. And we need your help in shaping our community’s future.

Thank you.