Belmopan- The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) says that new technology and developments in work methods is the main reason behind the closure of regional field offices which are, in essence, no longer needed in order to be able to collect needed data.
“The closure of the Institute’s district offices in Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, Belize City and Punta Gorda Town is a permanent change being made to facilitate improved organizational efficiency”, according to a press release by SIB.
According to SIB, in the ten years since its establishment, they have made substantial changes in the way its surveys are carried out and managed. These changes include a shift towards a team-based approach to field work, the transition from paper-based to electronic questionnaires administered by tablets, and the centralization of key corporate functions such as public relations, recruitment and procurement of supplies to its headquarters in Belmopan. As a result, according to SIB, there is no longer a need to maintain a dedicated office presence in the districts.
The SIB emphasizes that this restructuring is in no way a downsizing of either its staff or its ability to carry out its mandate. Rather, it will allow for the smooth conduct of multiple surveys simultaneously, and at the same time strengthening other key statistical functions, such as national accounts compilation.
According to information provided by SIB, in the coming years, the Institute will continue to maintain an active survey schedule while also preparing for the upcoming 2020 Population and Housing Census, advancing its work on the National Statistical System, and moving forward with its national accounts improvement initiative.
SIB also ensures that management and staff will continue to serve the country of Belize in the production of quality, timely, objective and relevant statistical data and we look forward to improving the quality of service and outputs offered.