Census to start up again

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18: Half of the Island’s homes have been visited by census workers, leaving 15,000 more households to be interviewed.

Speaking in the House of Assembly this morning, Premier Paula Cox said the census was impacted by a shortage of workers.

She said: “It is important to note that completion of the census is crucial to the decision making process of this government. 

“We intend to complete that process and ensure that Bermudians are the beneficiaries of the knowledge gained from the data collected. “ 

The Premier said the Statistic Act 2002 determined May 20 until September 30 would be a sufficient period but it wasn’t.

“Mr. Speaker, without the benefit of an extension, the Bermuda 2010 Census interviewers could not resume their duties until or unless the 2010 census order was amended by the legislature. 

“Therefore, Mr. Speaker the order has been amended to provide for a further period of census taking from the earliest possible commencement date for a further four months.”

She didn’t say when workers would begin interviews again or how long the extension was.

The House approved the extension.