Introduction

Since the founding of the United Nations (UN), data collection is no longer an exclusively national matter. The UN Statistical Commission (Commission) is the highest body in the international hierarchy of the international statistical system. National statistical agencies are represented as members within it. Members meet annually to decide on international standards and methods for data collection.

In compiling our regular statistics, we base ourselves on the UN manuals and those of the European Statistical Office (Eurostat). Correct and internationally coordinated application of the rules established in these manuals also enables us to comply with various statistical regulations and guidelines on behalf of Aruba. Considering Aruba’s outdated statistical legislation, the legal necessity for establishing the Central Bureau of Statistics of Aruba (CBS), its role in compiling government statistics (particularly government finances/the Country Package), and international developments in national statistical systems, the CBS proposed to the government of Aruba in 2016/2017 to establish a National Statistical System (NSS) for Aruba. This request was granted on December 13, 2021, by establishing the NSS Establishment Committee.

1. What is the NSS?

The NSS of Aruba is not an entity, but rather a governance structure formed by the CBS and the statistical authorities assigned by it (statistical departments of government entities that meet the established requirements). The CBS acts as the coordinating body for the NSS, partly due to its role in ensuring the production of official statistics in accordance with international standards, mandates, and guidelines. The CBS has always fulfilled this role in order to effectuate its task as the national organization for Aruban statistics.

Based on a list of official statistics, the official statistics are developed, produced, and disseminated within the NSS. This list is supplemented with newly proposed official statistics through publication of the list after approval of the budget for the statistical program. The process is regulated by law. Furthermore, official statistics must meet certain core values, namely: accountability, universality, relevance, independence, professionalism, resilience, and confidentiality.

2. Why an NSS?

The core of the Aruban NSS is twofold. On the one hand, it ensures an optimal, structured, and responsible way of practicing statistics in Aruba by outlining the frameworks that define the implementation of statistics. In short: Who, what, for what purpose, which, where, when, and how.

On the other hand, it concerns the definition of the characteristics and quality marks of official statistics for Aruba, which is a first.

The NSS has four strategic objectives:

1. Strengthening statistical legislation.
2. Strengthening partnerships for the production of official statistics.
3. Harmonizing and standardizing data systems.
4. Training personnel responsible for the production of official statistics.

The NSS is responsible for coordinating the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of official statistics at the national level.

3. Why official statistics?

The decision to introduce the NSS and, therefore, the term official statistics, was made to meet the international guidelines of the UN in this respect and also to encourage the production of high-quality, timely, and relevant statistics for policy formulation, monitoring, and review. High-quality statistics are necessary for monitoring social, economic, and environmental developments in a country, among other things. The public availability and accessibility of statistics also support transparency and accountability in the policy development process. They are essential as a vital source of information for designing and implementing policies and programs that contribute to better decisions for a better society.

4. Legislative Review

The establishment of the NSS involves drafting new legislation and amending existing legislation. This is crucial for the success of the NSS, which defines the roles and responsibilities of all participants. Furthermore, the law addresses how data exchange between participants takes place and how individual data of natural persons, legal, private, and public entities is protected to gain the trust of data providers and users. The legal framework must also contribute to the recognizability of official statistics by clearly defining the process for awarding a quality mark to official statistics.

5. International Guidelines

The entire procedure that will be followed is based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations, upon which the Aruban NSS is built. These are incorporated into the law as the principles of sound statistics.

The principles are grouped in the law as follows:

1. Independence, impartiality, and objectivity.
2. Due diligence, clarity, and coherence.
3. Relevance and cost-effectiveness.
4. Purpose limitation, confidentiality, security, accuracy, and data minimization.

International guidelines stipulate that the following elements are necessary for establishing an NSS:

1. NSS legislation.
2. A Code of Practice for (Aruban) Statistics.
3. Establishing and developing effective databases.
4. A national strategy for official statistics in which transparency and independence are key requirements.