New Chair elected, regional data policy solidified, at OECS RDGC

The OECS Regional Data Governance Council (RDGC) recently held its fourth meeting from April 28 to May 2, 2025.

The organization shared via press release that the core outcome of this meeting was the commitment to establish a regional data governance framework and a five-year plan for its implementation, encompassing training, capacity building, the RDGC’s work program, and a corresponding budget.

Launched in 2023 under the World Bank-funded OECS Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project, the RDGC aims to standardize data policies and practices across the region, including data capture, production, management, and sharing for regional analysis. It also supports the OECS Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics (2017-2030).

During the meeting, a significant theme was the importance of making data from surveys and statistics readily available and understandable to stakeholders and the public, said the report.

It further stated that Joel Richards, Officer in Charge of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Division at the OECS Commission, emphasized the necessity of robust data for evidence-based policy design, effective implementation, rigorous evaluation, and increased transparency, stating that relying on anecdotal information is insufficient.

Elbert Ellis, Portfolio Manager in the Social Sector Division of the CDB Projects Department, voiced support for the RDGC’s work, highlighting that without strong data systems, decision-making becomes reactive (“managing by surprise”).

He stressed the importance of data in building resilient economies, inclusive societies, and safeguarding the future, and that the CDB views the RDGC forum as vital for advancing priorities like open data policies, privacy standards, digital literacy, resource mobilization for data systems, and ensuring vulnerable groups are represented in data.

Meantime, the OECS reported that the chairmanship of the RDGC was transferred from Kenita Paul, Grenada’s Director of Statistics (Ag.), to Mr. Corneil Williams of Saint Kitts. The new Chair facilitated a review of Member States’ activities and an evaluation of their experiences using the new OECS Harmonized Labour Force Survey and the Survey on Living Conditions Questionnaires. Member States also provided updates on their 2020 population and housing censuses.

Representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the OECS Commission, and CARICOM presented reports on ongoing and future initiatives, including training, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and further harmonization of tools and data, all intended to benefit the RDGC and its members.

The meeting was attended by the following individuals: Mrs. Lorna Prevost-Stephens (Dominica), Mr. Stachel Edwards (Antigua and Barbuda), Mr. Raymond Phillips (British Virgin Islands), Ms. Kenita Paul (Grenada), Mr. Corneil Williams (St. Kitts), Ms. Dorriel Phillip (Nevis), Ms. Simone Fenton (Montserrat), Mr. Sean Mathurin (Saint Lucia), Mr. Elbert Ellis (CDB), Mr. Dindial Ramrattan (CDB), Ms. Reanata Ramsey (CARICOM), Mr. Edwin St. Catherine (Expert to the RDGC), Ms. Sherma Beroo (OECS Commission), Mr. Joel Richards (OECS Commission), Ms. Jenna Flavien (Representative CARDTP), Ms. Tameeka Jn Baptise (Data for Decision Making project), and Ms. Donna Athanaze (Administrative Support).