The National Bureau of Statistics is warning the public to remain vigilant for persons, posing as census workers, seeking to gain access to their homes.
Chief Statistician Statchel Edwards confirmed to Observer media that the Bureau is aware of social media posts circulating about persons claiming to be census workers.
“We are aware of social media posts circulating regarding persons posing as census workers and trying to gain access to persons’ homes, saying that they’re working for the census or they’re preparing for the census,” Edwards said.
This warning comes as a social media post by Antigua Newsroom, which has been shared by the Prime Minister, among others, claimed that persons were impersonating census workers, a month before the start of the exercise which is scheduled for June 25.
Edwards emphasized that no enumeration work has begun for the upcoming national census, which is scheduled to commence on June 25.
“No field work has started in terms of persons going to households to access or to interview individuals,” he stated.
The Chief Statistician outlined several key points the public should be aware of regarding legitimate census operations.
The post reported that the imposters claim to be from the ‘Department of Home Affairs’—which does not exist in Antigua and Barbuda and according to Edwards, the story that has been circulating may not even have originated from Antigua and Barbuda.
“It’s not a local story, but it’s actually from a different country. However, we are aware of the social posts and the possibility in terms of the impact it may have on persons’ cooperation,” he said.
“We’ll be doing a few things to make sure that persons are comfortable and knowledgeable in terms of when we actually start the field operation: how exactly persons will be dressed, the type of attire, and the exact procedure that will take place in terms of the census takers,” Edwards noted.
Edwards advised that if anyone are approached by individuals claiming to be census workers before the official start date, they should contact the police.
“If anyone encounters persons trying to gain access to their household, they should contact the police. There’s no one in the field at this point in time doing census activities. Census day is June 25, so we will not be in the field until after June 25,” he stated.
The Bureau is encouraging anyone with concerns to seek clarification through official channels.
“If they want to seek clarification, they can contact the Census office for any verification. The Bureau of Statistics website at statistics.gov.ag is also available for information,” Edwards said.
