Seminar on Developing a Programme for the
Implementation of the SNA 2008 and
Supporting Statistics in the CARICOM Region
30th January - 1st February, 2013
Jamaica
The Central Statistics Office compiles its
annual National Accounts data based on the
SNA 1993. This is conducted in accordance
with the Census and Statistics Act of 1986
of Dominica.
According to the Growth and Social Protection
Strategy (GSPS), Government’s strategy for
pursuing growth are the following:
Fiscal policy and administrative reform,
including creating an enabling environment
for private enterprise and investment
attraction
 Sectoral strategies for growth
 Strategies for poverty reduction and social
protection

Strategies for growth were developed within
some main sectors such as agriculture,
transport, tourism and utilities (electricity and
water).
Agriculture




Proactive promotion of sustainable growth
and development of the sector
An enhanced enabling environment for
investment in agriculture
Sustainable use of natural resources
Improving food security
Transport


Improve the quality of the stock of roads
Increase the efficiency of the main seaport
Tourism


To pursue sustainable tourism by creating
economic, social and cultural opportunities.
Nurture community involvement at
sustainable levels and to create jobs for the
youth.
Utilities (Electricity and Water)


To facilitate the use of alternative energy
(geothermal energy)
To work with the water company (DOWASCO)
to upgrade the water infrastructure.
The CSO uses a standard quarterly and
monthly template to present its short term
economic indicators.
Main indicators presented are as follows:
 External trade statistics
 Consumer Price Indices
 Travel statistics
 Manufactured production
 Construction
 Financial Indicators (recent)
In order to implement the SNA 2008 the
following are required:



Ensure that the transfer from the 1993 SNA
methodology to the 2008 SNA is well
understood.
Coordination among the relevant agencies
(e.g. Central Bank, CSO, etc).
Training of staff for the transition.


Need to know the extent of adoption of the
SNA 2008. (The minimum set of tables to be
compiled.)
Need
to
provide
resources
for
the
implementation exercise.



Compile GDP by Expenditure in constant
prices.
Revise Supply and Use Table to a more recent
reference year.
Conduct additional informal sector surveys.



Create institutional sector accounts
Updating business register
Classification of economic activities for all
sectors according to the International
Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev 4).

Rebase GDP series to be in line with new
classifications (ISIC Rev 4) and revised
definitions and concepts.
Some of the main resources needed to ensure a
smooth implementation process are:
 Human resource
 Equipment
 Financial resources
 Technical assistance
•Rebasing
of the GDP
In 2010 the rebasing exercise of the GDP
series was completed for the period 2000 to
2009 with a revised base year. The new base
year for the revised series is 2006.
•Compiled
SUT for 2005
•Produce annual Trade in Services Statistics
This
exercise
provided
a
basis
for
methodological and conceptual review and
improvement for the GDP data series
 New and improved data sources were also
created from this exercise.
 This has enabled the CSO to expand its GDP
coverage and compile production tables


Insufficient resources

Establish an achievable timeframe and work
plan for the implementation of SNA 2008.