Bureau of Statistics

The Bureau was established as a department in 1957, but prior to this, the collection and publication of statistics was decentralised and assigned to a few key government departments. In the early 1940's the then Sugar Producer's Association was responsible for the compilation of Sugar statistics, the Agriculture Department for statistics on rice and the remainder of the agricultural sector, the then Public Works Department was responsible for statistics on wages and the Customs Department in charge of trade Statistics.

The Bureau of Statistics (BoS) was incorporated as a semi-autonomous body, outside the purview of the traditional Public Service, by an Act of Parliament in October 1990. The functions of the Bureau which has since 1965 became systemized, are set out in section 4 (1) of the Bureau of Statistics Act No 25 of 1991 and the Statistical Bureau Act Cap 19.09 and can be summed up as follows:

	Conduct censuses
	Collect, compile, analyse, and publish socio-economic and other statistical data
	Collaborate with other Government departments in collecting, compiling, analysing and publishing statistics derived from administrative records
	Organise a co-ordinated scheme of social and economic statistics for Guyana

The Bureau is the main co-ordinator and producer of economic statistics, including national accounts. The main data on population, economic and social conditions of households stem from censuses and surveys. The Bureau is recognised as the central authority on statistics in this country, and is often requested to advise and assist ministries and private/public sector organisations on statistical matters, and is the obvious member of the Guyana team for reviews of the IMF structural adjustment programmes and similar activities.

The Board of the Bureau consist of the following:

	The Hon. Minister of Finance (Chairman)
	The Chief Statistician, who serves as ex-officio Vice Chairman
	Not less than 3 and not more than 7 other persons appointed by the Minister

The Bureau is headed by the Chief Statistician, and assisted by a Deputy Chief Statistician. The business of the Bureau is conducted through a network of functional departments, which are managed by Heads of departments. The departments are as follows:

	National Accounts
	Prices and External Trade
	Demography, Social & Vital Statistics
	Surveys
	Human Resources, Finance and Administration
	Information Systems

The Bureau functions with an headquarter staff strength of about 80, although there are 120 approved positions.