August 2, 2007     The Statistical Institute of Belize will be conducting the 2007 Establishment Survey commencing August 13^th.

The main purpose for the survey is to gather information from each establishment (including businesses, churches, schools and government agencies) to assist with the rebasing and updating of Belize’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates.  It is through this estimate that we are able to calculate the rate of economic growth or decline at the national or sector level.

The Gross Domestic Product is the total value of goods and services produced by an economy within a specific period of time, usually a calendar year.

This survey will be administered by trained interviewers, working under an oath of secrecy.  All interviewers will be trained on administering the questionnaire in sessions to be held on August 13^th, 2007.  The questionnaire package contains the following documents: a brochure explaining the survey, a cover letter, Section A to be filled out by the interviewer, Section B to be filled out by the representative of the establishment and an addressed and stamped envelope.  Section B is to be returned, using the addressed envelope, to the SIB headquarters on 1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan by Friday September 28^th, 2007.

All respondents are notified that the SIB Act ensures that all information given will be held with the strictest confidence and will only be used of the purpose of statistical compilation and analyses.  Particulars such as name, address and/or name of business, cannot and will not be given to any person or agency.

Section 45 states that “ any office or employee of the Institute who – acts in contravention of the oath of secrecy…..shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on summary conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment.”

The cooperation of all respondents is of great importance to the Statistical Institute of Belize. 

For further information please contact the SIB Offices in your district, visit our website at www.statisticsbelize.org.bz or email info@statisticsbelize.org.bz.