The Eastern Caribbean Center of the University of the Virgin Islands is conducting its annual Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS) among residents of a number of households in the territory. The 2013 VICS will update data from the 2012 VICS and 2010 Census. The survey will generate official Virgin Islands statistics relating to economics, population, housing, labor and employment.
Interviews will begin in early September and end in October. UVI employees will administer the survey. All employees will have official UVI identification cards.
The VICS is conducted to provide a better understanding of the changing population and housing statistics in the US Virgin Islands. Demographic surveys provide significant information to educators, the legislature, businesses and anyone needing information about the community.
“This is really the only source of information for the Virgin Islands where we have comprehensive housing and population information,” said Dr. Asha DeGannes, acting director of the Eastern Caribbean Center. She said that many government and non-profit agencies rely on the data for grant applications and other types of funding. Dr. DeGannes encouraged the public to participate in the survey when contacted. “We really need this information,” she said.
The survey is confidential and all information is accessible only to select authorized employees of the Eastern Caribbean Center. “All of our employees – full-time, part-time and temporary – are required to take an oath of confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement," Dr. DeGannes said. For more information about the Virgin Islands Caribbean Survey, call the Eastern Caribbean Center at (340) 693-1020.