The second of two articles seek to discover why the most productive societies utilize data, especially statistical data, to drive prosperity.
OK: the Virgin Islands is a lively democracy. Political activity is never far from the surface. The country is a live wire of street corner talk, radio shows, and social media trolls. Commentators attempt to draw the notice of the public to various issues emotively and with excitement. However, a lack of data and information results in too much emotion and entertainment in discussing matters, and not enough substance. This is especially so for issues of governance and politics.
Insufficient data from lack of a rigorous culture of metrical information gathering limits the offerings of even the traditional print media. Appropriate and timely data and statistics would offer a great backdrop to this lively media subculture driving greater accuracy and more effective reporting.
Now, statistics allow the people hold government to account much more effectively through giving the public greater knowledge of events. Data is raw material for the media and public. Turning that raw material or data into information, and then appropriate news and commentary is the key role of the news media.
Having the numbers to measure the social and economic outcomes of Virgin Islands society makes for a much more effective national media. Arguing that the country is not doing well, or that the economy is not functioning at optimum, ultimately depends on knowing the appropriate and relevant numbers. Successful governments and organizations are data driven.
Without knowledge of the numbers, most argument on politics and economy is empty talk: emotion. Saying things are bad is not enough; where are the numbers that tell the story? It is not enough to state an economy is poor without showing how. That how is revealed with numbers.
Declining GDP or rising unemployment may point to a slowing economy marching into recession. High crime rates affect travel and tourism and consumer confidence. Increasing cancer rates point to a need to get to the root of the problem. Statistics offer insight into the preceding by offering numbers for consecutive years that reveal trends.
For government and business, stats offer a map of the past and a road to the present and future. Where were we 5 years ago, and how did we get here 5 years later. What brought us to this present place and how could we have done things differently.
Leaders, whether in government or business who adopt the use of statistical information purposefully are better able to steer their countries and organizations. Consumers and citizens too are able to adopt appropriate opinion and perspective on matters. Statistics offer insight and even wisdom.
Dickson Igwe is an education official in the Virgin Islands. He is also a national sea safety instructor. He writes a national column across media and has authored a story book on the Caribbean: 'The Adventures of a West Indian Villager'. Dickson is focused on economics articles, and he believes economics holds the answer to the full economic and social development of the Caribbean. He is of both West African and Caribbean heritage. Dickson is married with one son.
