The University of the Virgin Islands Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) is conducting
Phase II of its annual Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS). During Phase II of
the survey process, which runs from Dec. 8, 2012 to Jan. 12, 2013, ECC staff will
interview the community.
"The goal of the VICS is to provide a clearer understanding of the changing population
and housing statistics in the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Dr. Asha DeGannes, Eastern
Caribbean Center's acting director. "Demographic surveys provide important information
to educators, the legislature, businesses and anyone needing information about the
community." Dr. DeGannes said the survey will generate official statistics relating
to economics, population, housing, health and employment.
"The VI Community Survey is the only source of information for the Virgin Islands
where we have comprehensive housing and population information," said Dr. DeGannes.
"We are especially urging residents to cooperate with interviewers when they visit
your houses. If someone wearing UVI identification and an ECC messenger bag approaches
you to ask that you participate, please cooperate," said Dr. DeGannes. All interviewers
will have official UVI identification cards and UVI Eastern Caribbean Center messenger
bags.
Many government and non-profit agencies rely on the ECC for the data collected in
this survey. The survey results are also useful for grant applications and for program
reporting to federal agencies.
The survey is confidential and all information is accessible only to select authorized
employees of the Eastern Caribbean Center. ECC employees - full-time, part-time and
temporary -are required to take an oath of confidentiality and sign a confidentiality
agreement.
Phase one of the VICS began in August. During Phase I, UVI employees traveled throughout
St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John using GPS devices to map residential areas.
For more information about the Virgin Islands Community Survey, call the Eastern Caribbean
Center at (340) 693-1020.
