The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission successfully concluded the fifth session of the Regional Data Governance Council (RDGC), held from October 7 to 10, 2025. The four-day event brought together statistical leaders from OECS member states, regional agencies, and international development organizations to enhance collaboration, improve statistical capabilities, and promote data-informed decision-making across the Caribbean region.
Corneil Williams, Chairperson of the RDGC, opened the session by stressing the importance of unified strategies in data collection and governance. Key figures and partners underscored the critical role of data governance in driving sustainable development within the OECS.
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening statistical systems as vital tools for evidence-based policymaking. He highlighted the need to cultivate a culture of data use and trust, urging stakeholders to move beyond data collection to actionable insights. Jules also called for integration beyond formal treaties, fostering a shared understanding through data.
Elbert Ellis of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) reiterated the bank’s support for regional development efforts, including the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment (eCPA). He emphasized the importance of robust data systems for sustainable development and outlined the CDB’s technical and financial contributions to improving data governance and institutional frameworks.
Ms. Anna Luisa Paffhausen from the World Bank highlighted the Bank’s collaboration with the OECS through the Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project. She noted the meeting’s focus on anonymizing core datasets to support data dissemination and analysis, aiming to address key policy and development priorities in the region.
Ms. Sherma Beroo, OECS DDM Project Manager, emphasized the importance of fostering stronger partnerships to ensure robust, harmonized data systems capable of supporting sustainable development.
The sessions covered critical topics, including progress on regional and national statistical initiatives, updates on flagship projects like DDM and CARDTP, strategies for data anonymization, and the development of a Communication and Advocacy Strategy to promote statistical data use. The meeting concluded with a coordinated work plan, renewed commitments to data harmonization and privacy protections, and strengthened collaborations among OECS member states and development partners.