Census shows slight decrease in population, Haitians main migrants to Dominica

(from left) Francis Joseph- member of the 2011 Population and Housing Census National Advisory Committee, Prayma Carrette- Chief Statistician and Chief Census Officer, Alvin Bernard, Dr. Philomen Harrison- Program Director of CARICOM Regional Statistics Unit at the launch of the census

Seventy-one thousand and a couple of hundreds more.

That’s the official tally of the population of Dominica, according to the preliminary results of the 2011 population census.

The just released figures suggest that there has been a slight decrease of 434 in the country’s population.

As of midnight May 14, 2011 Dominica’s total population numbered 71, 293.

Chief Statistician Prama Carrette who disclosed the figure, said this represented a slight 0.6% decline over the 2001 preliminary results, and a 2.0 percent fall below the 2012 mid-year population estimate of 72,729.

A break down of the collected data shows that at the moment the  population comprises 36, 411 males and 34, 882 females.

This means that males outnumber females by 1,529.

“Dominica’s highest number of non-institutional population occurred in 1981 when 73, 795 was recorded, For the following three censuses, the population have not exceeded this number,” Carrette reported.

She added that “in spite of demographic forces affecting population growth over the last decade, mainly the 31.5 percent decrease in total births and the out-migration of 4000 persons, the Dominica population remained almost stable”.

The figures for births and deaths show that from 2001 t0 2010 a total of 10,207 births were added to the population, falling 4,696 births below the previous decade.

According to the results, during the same period, 5,502 persons died, almost stable over the previous decade with 5,581 deaths. Of these 5,502 deaths, 2,606 were females and 2,869 were males.

The census also revealed that Haitian migrants have become the main migrant population in Dominica.

According to the census, the Haitian-born population numbered 1,054 with 608 males and 566 females, altogether accounting for 1.5 percent of the population.

The preliminary count for centenarians recorded a total of 17, most of them are females.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

101 Comments

  1. even more
    February 2, 2012

    This census just made me feel bad for being one of those Dominicans who are out of the country. You see i had to be one of the Dominicans who are out there, that way i help make it easy for the policy makers to do their jobs without taking into account population growth rate :lol: .

    • Jackie Rolle
      February 5, 2012

      Even more wood in your fire.You can lay 3 /night now lol more wood the merrier you will beLO! :-D Enjoy even more lolo.

  2. Concern
    February 2, 2012

    What is the men reason for having more than one woman? They have now outnumbered us so get rid of them when they forming fe fool and get another…they have extra now so we cannot what am I gonna do when I leave. The time has now come for us to stop taking their BS. There is no longer a man shortage as the song says.

    • Abu Sulayman
      February 4, 2012

      How many men are imprisoned? How many men can adequately take care of women? Have you considered how many paros who are men in comparison to women? There are so many factors which give rise to men having plural women.

  3. me
    February 2, 2012

    and how many chinese?

  4. Z.........
    February 2, 2012

    Haven’t you heard about math statistics for all those saying they weren’t counted!

  5. Mouth of the West
    February 2, 2012

    Dominica woman playing so tight to give a little sumsum and look it have more man than woman still. Well things ruff.

  6. DOMINICAN
    February 2, 2012

    Bon where the Chinese nuh!!! They doh count them. What they fraid nuh.

    A census is not valid if it does not represent the entire population of the country. We have Haitians, where the Chinese?

    I vex!!!

  7. w
    February 2, 2012

    that census is very inacurate. My son and I were not counted. and i know quite a few people who weren’t counted either.

    • coming soon
      February 2, 2012

      clearing you didn’t go college

  8. eagle eye
    February 2, 2012

    71,000? firstly i was never approached when the census took place, i want to know how the got to count me. secondly, if they are going by birth and death records, i think that is a lost cause. the whole system at the registry needs a revamp. it is typical of the government to fabricate numbers to give a rosy picture. what you all must do is compare the population to the electoral list of eligible voters then we will have a true picture. i for one put dominica’s population within 50 and 60 thousand. eagle a fly in the sky

  9. Country
    February 2, 2012

    No more Haitians in your country? What ignorance, let the Kalinago’s tell you no more Neg in Watikubuli! It doesn’t look nice no. We all are one if the people of your Country could stop the watchy watchy and maco ways and do a hard days work for a day’s pay! Then you would be too tired to be watching what color your neighbor is and say your prayers and go to sleep. And if you don’t want people comeing to YOUR Country stay out of OURS!

  10. Concern Dominican
    February 2, 2012

    71,0000 It looks like a hell of a lot more to me, while I visited.

  11. Anonymous
    February 2, 2012

    As far as I am concerned the balloons are inappropriate. Be professional people!

    • ....
      February 2, 2012

      if u read the caption below the picture u would see that it was for a different thing….

      • Asterix
        February 2, 2012

        Didn’t you read what is on the banner. You guys are to quick to try and oppose peoples comments without facts. Look at the banner and read the caption again I suspect you probably did not wear your glasses or you need one.

  12. Anonymous
    February 2, 2012

    One thing they never publish is the amount of Dominicans leaving every year. I never wanted to leave and still love my country, but sad to say, the jealousy and bitterness of people there will kill them and not me. All who try to pull me down i see them fall while I prosper!!! Who laughs last laughs the best.

  13. With my scope
    February 1, 2012

    Potential to go homo increases with so many more males to females.Man look fightfor gals.two man to one woman in de bands. Look out carnival monday and tuesday.

  14. linky
    February 1, 2012

    i can make a big bet on that dominica don’t have 71 thusand people.

    • Asterix
      February 2, 2012

      I agree with you too

  15. reform
    February 1, 2012

    To compliment those preliminary census figures, the implementation of Electoral Reform is even more urgent. All would agree that the VOTERS” LIST is bloated. It is filled with names of dead people and those not legible to vote. Why would any Govt. or right-thinking politician not want to clean Up a list that is unclean? Why would any Dominican support not cleaning up a Voters’ list that is unclean? With all those migrants – Haitians, Chinese, Santo Dominicans in Dominica and more to come, people must be properly identified. Will those names be on the List as well? could they influence any election in Dominica? Those are serious issues we have to begin to addresstherefore the recommendations of the Independent Electoral Commission must be respected and implemented.

    Govt. must not be so reluctant to give the Commission the funds to allow it to do its work to ensure FREE and FAIR ELECTIONS in Dominica. We just cannot go into any elections with that same unclean VOTERS’ LIST and no VOTER ID cards for proper identification.

    Imagine being given food to eat in a dirty plate. How would you feel? So Election Reform NOW. Nothing less. Or Dominicans will further speculate and make their conclusions. All over the world people are calling for Free and Fair elections and a better democratic way of life. Why the indifference and stalling tactics to such important changes to our electoral process? All would benefit immensely. Believe me.

  16. hey ho
    February 1, 2012

    but allu not yet count me. what happening there?

    • ME
      February 2, 2012

      u were counted

  17. Anonymous
    February 1, 2012

    I would love to see the census document as I don’t believe the result I sat common entrance exams in 1984 and one of the general paper question was what’s the population of Dominica which the answer was 70,000 I am sure a lot of you who sat the exam that year remembers since then me and all the members of my family including aunts uncles and their families have migrated almost everyone i attended secondary school have migrated along with their family members and the brain drain continues yet we have over 70,000 on island i dont think so maybe its more like 50,000

    • Grand Bay Girl
      February 2, 2012

      But children are being born also. so I think
      there is a balance!While people are migrating
      people people are being born. Also
      alot of people who migrated in the early
      sixties are returing. so there could be the
      reason. Just wondering. We need to have some
      confidence in our people.

    • February 2, 2012

      @Anonymous :you stupid or what?you make no sense.

  18. DANZIGER
    February 1, 2012

    I spend 20 years out of Dominica I worked hard when things changed I depend on me. I end up with enemies they were jealous to see a stranger prosper while they sat and watch TV hole day. my x neigbhor burst his wall send down waiste water and all his toilet water for me I went to high authorites they say somebody will pass 5 long years pass no body. so i wll not mellé me in papy show talk. praise god i use my head
    .

  19. CHARMER
    February 1, 2012

    Ok, so more males than females. Good, now I can get a husband just to myself. Just being jovial.

  20. Patience
    February 1, 2012

    I do not believe it.
    But then, thats the trend in DA right now, everything has to go through the laundry first.
    Well, subtract 3 come summer, thats my 2 boys and I.

    • En Ba La
      February 2, 2012

      and two more – my mom and my son.

  21. georgy
    February 1, 2012

    More man than woman in Dominica? WHAT!? I’ve never heard of this ANYWHERE else in the world!
    Papa met, lemme go and look for mine eh, b4 they have to start rationing them…

  22. Dubique767
    February 1, 2012

    I am not going to be negative about the Haitians, and I am only speaking from my personal experiences from living and working with them on various levels. I will also point to their general tendencies to life and living.

    THE “MAJORITY” OF HAITIANS ARE PARASITIC IN THEIR APPROACH TO LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND AND VALUE THE BASIC RESOURCES THAT ALLOWS FOR THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF EXISTENCE. YOU GUYS SHOULD READ A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE DEFORESTED THEIR ISLAND…AND THEIR IS A LOT MORE.

    WHEN THEIR BAD HABITS BEGIN, IT IS DIFFICULT TO CURB IT.

    SO, ALTHOUGH I FEEL THEIR PLIGHT, I AM MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ISLAND THAT MY CHILDREN’S CHILDREN WILL INHERIT.

    • shy
      February 1, 2012

      My point exactly.

    • fair and balance
      February 1, 2012

      stop talking rubbish

    • LovDominica
      February 2, 2012

      Shame on u, I am sure u used to receive a barrel, and not from Portsmouth… from overseas; lol… “4000” out of state (lies we are more that 8000 out), doing what? Some r honest working persons, some r VOLE; some MUERDERS & we can’t accept 1500 IN! We r the Haitian in St. Marten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, US, England….

    • i sme
      February 2, 2012

      when u finish copy and paste let us know! u sound like a broken record!

  23. double standards
    February 1, 2012

    A direct reflection on the leadership…intellectuals and skilled fleeing persecution
    Who said “I have no problem educating Dominicans for export”????
    Did not the previous press secretary warn of 10,000 chinese (adults) to be settled in Portsmouth?
    How many chinese and haitians will it take to enshore a DLP win in Roseau, Marigot and Salbury?
    No wonder they can boldly insult the hard working civil servants…it takes very few migrants to change voting dynamics/outcome.
    Forewarned is forearmed.

    • .
      February 1, 2012

      TRUE THAT! The eternal leader! But God can depose!

  24. where is the rest
    February 1, 2012

    census didnt only ask questions about births and deaths and how much man and woman D.A has nuh. What about the socioeconomic status?income level, unemployement rate, education etc etc. they need to add more to this report,or maybe this report is still incomplete.

    • Congrats
      February 1, 2012

      This is just a preliminary head count and as stated at the press release the final details will be ready by year end.

    • Just Asking
      February 2, 2012

      We need a breakdown by age – particularly the numbers of voting age, 18 plus.

  25. MJ
    February 1, 2012

    The population decrease isnt a gud indicator among dominicans colleagues lets have children.I love Dominica coz i consider it my second home thats were my would be came from.As long as jobs are available gud economy i am ready to stay there.i love that country….

    • MJ
      February 2, 2012

      While there are no other pipo apart from dominicans themselves to fill that gap of population decrease and for the purposes of development and economic drive indeginous dominicans are core the rest shud just supliment therefore a population is needed both from within and outside.But the govt shud work on reducing dominicans leaving their country am sure they knw very while whats leading that hence they better work towards that.Am glad i will visit by November or december..

    • Stuuppss
      February 2, 2012

      The population in Dominica decreases, not because of a low birth rate but because some Dominicans have become too lazy and their mentality sucks making it difficult for Dominicans abroad to return to their loving homeland.

  26. double standards
    February 1, 2012

    A direct reflection on the leadership…intellectuals and skilled fleeing persecution

  27. Susanne
    February 1, 2012

    As far as I can see it is better to have a non national who is productive, than a
    national who is unproductive.

  28. Grand Bay Girl
    February 1, 2012

    Let us not”bash”the Hatians.Remember their
    history.We all can relate to family members
    who have migrated all over the world.Most
    of us can relate awaiting and receiving
    financial assistance from family members
    who migrated. So lest we not forget,Once they
    abide by the law of the land.We are all brought here and dropped in various places.
    Stop bashing the Hatians. We are one people

  29. WIKILEAKS
    February 1, 2012

    The Takeawy from the Census is that we have 0.023% of the population as centenarians. And that we age very well.

    Do we have a problem with that.

  30. February 1, 2012

    trust me dat ting doctored…. realise we were not told how much ‘real’ dominicans that are there…. more man than woman… so more man have to worry about their woman… ‘hey boss your woman is my woman to… doh dig just go with the flow’ lol

  31. shy
    February 1, 2012

    I prefer the chinese ,they build roads and things for us, they contribute something to the nation .The only thing the haitians do is take, take, take, then send for their family and take some more.It’s early still ,you guys will see.I don’t hate anyone but i know these people, i have been around them.If i could, i don’t sending stuff for them to help them but to let them establish themselves in dominica that’s a no no.

    • Anonymous
      February 1, 2012

      is the same damn thing u all doin in America go collect food stamp. send money home hypocrite.

      • shy
        February 1, 2012

        Seeing that you are so angry ,even using bad words, you must be a hatian or married to one.Too bad for you ,to lower your self to that level.

      • Anonymous
        February 2, 2012

        I LIKE THAT POINT… GETTING GREEN CARD TO GO AND WELFARE….

    • fair and balance
      February 1, 2012

      Shy seeing you know so well it looks as if you`re good at doing that yourself. like the saying goes,it takes one to know one.

      • shy
        February 2, 2012

        Time will tell.I will hear you guys singing another song in about five more years.

  32. Roz
    February 1, 2012

    Fellas haven’t got excuse again, talking about is 7 woman to 1 man in DA that is why they cheating. :lol: if anything, i looking for my extra 1/4 of a man to add to my one to make my share complete.

  33. February 1, 2012

    I would love to see population statistics on education…the population of the country broken down by their highest education level, then broken down by gender.

    This may help in understanding how this factor contributes to our political system.

    • WIKILEAKS
      February 1, 2012

      Why is this that everyone feel like they can just use my screen name. Are you guys and gals devoid of ideas…there are many name to choose from padna…You are smarter than that…choose another handle

      • Malatete
        February 1, 2012

        …is because you “borrowed” it from someone else in the first place!

      • February 1, 2012

        go drink a rum

  34. Observer
    February 1, 2012

    Unaccounted for: Santo Domingans, Chinese and Causcasians! It’s impossible for there to be only 1054 Hatians…that’s Mero and Baroui alone! Everybody has how many friends and family overseas now and we only see a drop of 434 from 2001? Impossible.

  35. shy
    February 1, 2012

    WELL MR PM EASE UP ON THE AMOUNT OF HAITIANS YOU HAVE COMING IN DOMINICA RIGHT.I WANT TO GET SOMETHING FOR MYSELF AND MY KIDS TOO.

  36. Morihei Ueshiba
    February 1, 2012

    Since Skerrit come PM more Dominicans migrating!!

    • oh my
      February 1, 2012

      interestingly…is from wesley and marigot they migrating from!

  37. benaravin
    February 1, 2012

    The statistical division should also give the figures for the labour force. the unemploymenr in the labour force and those significant data sets..
    if not tell us the web site we can go to to get the much more detailed presentation of the data..
    where is the statistical division analyst? I think Dominicans at home and abroad need a more indepth analysis of the census.
    After all it is done once every decade.
    scraping the surface is not good enough in 2012 Mrs Carrette.

    • En Ba La
      February 1, 2012

      I am happy someone else is interested. Preliminary result or not.

    • wait
      February 1, 2012

      A lot of information was taken from residents(those who responded truthfully) but it is not possible for Mrs. Carrette to give a detailed report for one news item. In time to come all the information will be released so the world can know. Let us discuss what has been released and wait for the details, I was involved in the process in May 2011,

  38. ...
    February 1, 2012

    this photo is very misleading DNO! i was at the press conference and i didnt see mr bernard or, dr. harrison or even mr joseph. i think the CSO sent invitations to all the media houses on island! please update the phot thank u!

    ADMIN: The caption of the photo said it was taken at the launch of the census, not at the press conference

    • Lone Cowboy
      February 1, 2012

      Admin, i see what the person is saying. It’s best if there is a current picture…one taken at the press conference, it’s more up-to-date.
      No hard feelings admin… :)

  39. Cerberus
    February 1, 2012

    Using the figures provided I arrive at a population for the 2011 census of 70,330 and not the 71,183 claimed:

    Census 2001 population: 69,625
    plus births 10,207
    minus deaths 5,502
    minus departures 4,000
    ——————————-
    Census 2011 population 70,330

    Wherein lies the discrepancy please?
    Are arrrivals (not just of Haitians but also
    of returnees and other non- Dominican citizens part of the equasion? And if so, are their deaths, births and departures reflected in the quoted figures?

    • d
      February 1, 2012

      i think they counted all the illegal haitian who leaves here also

    • WIKILEAKS
      February 1, 2012

      These numbers don’t add

    • Hate ignorance
      February 1, 2012

      Based on the numbers given and using my primary school maths ,the numbers dont add up . I guess the number of haitians and chinese was not included in the total. The haitian and chinesse numbers make up the rest i assume. Therefore there is a larger percentage decrease in DOMINICANs on island than the report suggest.(more than the 434 they suggested)

  40. En Ba La
    February 1, 2012

    Are the chinese not counted – only the Haitians? Haitians main migrants but who else is there?

    Statistics division I think you all should have been given a raise and got Parry’s job BUT where is the rest of the information? Even dissemination of real information is restricted. Just information about the population even this we have issues in releasing.

    • oh my
      February 1, 2012

      who said the information is resticted?…its PRELIMINARY…..as in subjected to change….if u want more information i suggest like me you take a walk to the financial centre..i am sure the lovely ladies and gents will be happy to help..i know i was very pleased with the help and information i recieved..

      • En Ba La
        February 1, 2012

        I cannot walk there NOW. Preliminary results why are the other groups not included in the release? I am not bashing the workers – I was a goverment employee at the government headquarters for more than 10 years and more than 15 years ago.

        Are you even aware the prelimary results could be final too if no changes occur following a revisit or final look at the data?

        well for your sake INFORMATION OF MISSING

    • Anonymous
      February 1, 2012

      they said main imigrants,there is a differance,in saying all imigrants and main imigrants,your question of asking about the chinese can be acknowleged,but what they are saying is clear cut.

      • En Ba La
        February 1, 2012

        I am not saying Haitians are not the main migrants or emigrants but a census of the population – who else is there preliminary results or not.

        Admin in the release did they share who else is there. Did they provide the information and you just chose to focus on this aspect or?

  41. February 1, 2012

    We must all recall our history.The haitians came to the New world on the same ship as or grand parents. We were dropped out in Dominica and they were dropped out for example in Haiti. We met the Kalinago people in Dominica. Are they questioning the increase in population of the people of African descent who were dropped off on their shores.

  42. cocosec
    February 1, 2012

    i want to know how much Haitians was counted and if the count Ross Univesity students too

  43. Anonymous
    February 1, 2012

    ok that’s enough haitians in my country now eh. no more haitians please :lol:

    • En Ba La
      February 1, 2012

      Haitians 1054 CHINESE = 1 right

  44. Skeer Crow
    February 1, 2012

    There are 1529 more males in Dominica than females. What dem fellas going to do with themselves? Hmmmmmmm……………..

    • 123
      February 1, 2012

      :( No wonder there will be a Mr. Dominica competition.

      • Malatete
        February 1, 2012

        ..looks more like a queen show to me!

      • ....
        February 1, 2012

        You mean a “MR. Bugs” competition!!!

    • Malatete
      February 1, 2012

      …what they are going to do? Take part in the Mr. Dominica show of course!

    • georgy
      February 1, 2012

      hmm, digging in pit hole seemed to be a prophecy…

  45. Lougaoo Mem
    February 1, 2012

    Wow! I remember the PM called on the overseas countrymen to come home to fill in the vacancies/jobs, that exist on the island.
    What happened? Didn’t they take heed? The Haitians will continue to answer the calls, while the brain drain continues.

  46. A kiss for admin
    February 1, 2012

    mmmm allu finish “analyse” it?? please don’t come knocking on my door next time round.

  47. d
    February 1, 2012

    COULD I HAVE A LOOK AT THE POPULATION PYRAMID

    • Malatete
      February 3, 2012

      Go to Cairo and you’ll see bigger pyramids than you’ll ever find here!

  48. d
    February 1, 2012

    i WOULD REALLY LIKE SOMEONE TO TELL ME THE IMPLICATION OF THE MAN TO WOMAN RATIO ON OUR ALREADY AGING POPULATION!

  49. CC
    February 1, 2012

    Im really suprised the haitians outnumber the chinese in da?

  50. Oh Really?
    February 1, 2012

    Please tell us what the Chinese population is. We need to keep an eye on that!

  51. 7.5 Agreed
    February 1, 2012

    Well sa!! Haitians flocking DA

    • DominicanImmigrant
      February 1, 2012

      what’s with the negative, sometimes racist and bias attitude of DOminicans? Dominicans migrate to all areas of the world and set up a niche, so it’s expected that othe people will do the same.

    • Trey
      February 1, 2012

      how many Dominicans have migrated to other islands and regions of the globe. I say a big welcome to my Haitian brothers and sisters. Please come build or population and do contribute to the economical development of this island.

    • traveller
      February 1, 2012

      Haitians are people. Dominicans are flocking Antigua and all other places. Give the Haitians a break.

      • riteaid
        February 1, 2012

        dominicans are in antigua yes bt they are not doin wat haitians are doing in dominica. When we Overstay in antigua they quick to deport us back home…its nt easy to get a job in antigua either

    • CIA on the watch
      February 1, 2012

      and chinesse too

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available