Caribbean Statisticians are spearheading work on the development of a framework for the Production of Economics Statistics in the region, designed according to the requirements of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). A Trade Policy Facilitation Project relating to the implementation of Protocol II on the Right of Establishment, Provision of Services and Movement of Capital is among the main areas of their focus.

These are some of the issues likely to feature prominently at the Twenty-sixth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians which opens in Nassau, The Bahamas, on 24 October, 2001.

The two-day deliberations will deal with matters relating to developments in economic, social and environmental statistics in the Region.

The Caribbean Statisticians will have before them for consideration a project on "Strengthening Capacity in the Compilation of Statistics and Indicators for the Conference Follow-up in the CARICOM Region." Social and Gender Statistics as well as a survey on Living Conditions in the Region will also be featured in the deliberations.

The management of statistical systems - the future outlook for statistical offices and the processing and dissemination of statistical information will also engage the attention of the Caribbean Statisticians as they review and evaluate the present role and status of statistics in the Region, and formulate strategies for the future.

The Caribbean Statisticians forum will be preceded by the Eleventh Meeting of the Regional Census Coordinating Committee (RCCC), starting Monday, 22 October, 2001 in the Bahamas capital, Nassau.

The progress of the year 2000 Round of Population and Housing Census in Member States, and plans for future activities are scheduled activities of the two-day forum which is aimed at guiding the successful completion of the region-wide exercise.