Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics: Starting from Scratch

• Activity Number: 321
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Government Statistics
• Author(s): Mario Marazzi*+ and Carlos Toro-Vizcarrondo
• Companies: Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics and University of Puerto Rico
• Keywords: Puerto Rico ; Statistical System ; Quality Standards ; Statistical Coordination ; Timeliness ; NSO

Abstract

In 2003, the Puerto Rico (PR) Senate found the island's data gathering systems and statistical products to be archaic, disorganized, lacking purpose, unresponsive to current needs, untimely, and unreliable. As a result, legislation passed creating the PR Institute of Statistics (PRIS), an autonomous agency charged with ensuring universal and timely access to reliable and comprehensive statistical information on PR. Overseen by a Board comprised primarily of professors in the field of statistics, the PRIS develops the statistical policy of the island and coordinates the production of government statistics. Since 2007, the PRIS has established quality standards, developed a schedule of release dates, implemented a professional development program for government statisticians, and established the PR Statistical Coordination Committee representing over 50 federal, state, and local agencies.