MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

St. Helena government readies Population & housing census on 7 February

Census will capture the essential information on the pre-air access characteristics of the Island population to assist with services such as Health, Education and Housing.

St Helena Government is preparing for a Population and Housing Census on Sunday, 7th February 2016. The Census will capture the essential information on the pre-air access characteristics of the Island population to assist with the development of services such as Health, Education and Housing.

 For a comprehensive overview of the population on the Island and overseas, St Helena Government is also conducting a ‘St Helenians Overseas Survey’ from 1st to the 14th February 2016 and encouraging as many Saints living overseas to take part as possible.

All St Helenians living overseas, whether permanently or temporarily for work, holiday, or any other reason, would make a valuable contribution on the information collected about St Helena and the characteristics of its extended population.

Statistician and Census Supervisor, Paula McLeod, said: “St Helena needs to develop to meet the needs of the people on-Island and also to those who may be returning in the future. With the onset of air-access travel of Saints to and from St Helena will become much easier and more frequent. With the improved options and opportunities which will become available, it is expected that many people who are currently living and working overseas will find it easier to return…

“The Census will provide a snapshot of the Island but that is only half of the picture, we need to know about those people who are overseas and count themselves as Saints because they have as much to play in the Island’s development as those currently on Island. For these people to be properly represented in planning and decision making we need to have data which includes them.”

The St Helenians Overseas Survey is primarily an online survey. Anyone who wishes to participate needs to register at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/overseascensus where a unique link to the Census will be given, which can be used for themselves and other members of their immediate family with them overseas.