Fair set to highlight importance of statistics

(CNS): The government’s Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) is teaming up  with nine other public authorities to showcase the impact of statistics on daily life in the Cayman Islands at what will be the country’s first ever statistics fair. It will take place at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) at the end of next month, when the interactive exhibition will be the highlight of the Cayman Islands’ celebration of the International Year of Statistics 2013. Organisers have planned activities that will focus on the theme “KY Stats 4 Everyday Life: Let us Educate and Appreciate”.

ESO Director Maria Zingapan said that the year was declared by the United Nations to promote the power and impact of statistics on everyday life and to introduce young people to careers in statistical science.

“We aim to get our local students thinking about statistics, not just as a subject they study but how comprehensively statistics impact all of us in our daily lives,” Zingapan added.

Other participating departments include: Children and Family Services, Education, Environment, Environmental Health, Immigration, Lands and Survey as well as Planning, the Health Services Authority and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. Most of these departments are members of the recently-established National Statistical Coordination Committee.

Fair coordinator Shanna Saunders-Best said that there will be interactive exercises that will aim to help school children learn in a fun way how statistics work, and through which they can earn special prizes and offerings. There will also be an award for the school with the most representatives.

While the emphasis will be on students, the day-long fair will offer interesting exhibits and meaningful insights for adults as well the ESO added.

The fair will take place at the UCCI auditorium  on Thursday, 24 October from 9am to 6pm.