Saint Lucia launches groundbreaking national survey to boost support for families and children

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, 6 August 2025 – Families across Saint Lucia are set to benefit from stronger, more responsive social policies as the Government officially launched the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 7) — a bold step toward ensuring every child and woman counts.

The launch marks a renewed national commitment to evidence-based policy and sustainable development, supported by UNICEF and key government partners. At its heart, MICS 7 will provide critical, up-to-date data on the well-being of children and families across the island. This data will directly inform programmes and services in health, education, social protection and beyond.

Speaking at the launch, Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment described MICS 7 as a cornerstone for advancing child rights and addressing inequalities. 

“We particularly look forward to indicators related to child protection, disability, early childhood development, access to social services and other indicators directly related to those deemed most vulnerable among us."

Conducted by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) through the Department of Economic Development and Youth Economy, with technical and financial support from UNICEF, MICS 7 is a globally recognised household survey that generates reliable, internationally comparable data. It is implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Equity and aligned with Saint Lucia’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, highlighted the long-term significance of the initiative:

““MICS is not a one-time survey, but rather a prolonged study that paints an irreplaceable picture of how the lives of diverse populations change over time. MICS provides countries with a framework to assess their populations and address their needs.” 

The project includes new modules on parenting involvement, child functioning (disability), early learning outcomes and attitudes toward domestic violence — areas that are essential to strengthening the country’s social fabric. Over the next few weeks, 40 trained field staff will engage more than 3,000 randomly selected households, gathering information directly from women and children across the country using both paper-based and digital formats.

Tashana Providence-Forde, UNICEF's Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, described MICS as a powerful tool for transparency and equity:

““MICS empowers policymakers, civil society organizations, and development partners to make informed decisions. It helps us track progress, identify disparities, and allocate resources where they are most needed. It is a tool for equity, transparency, and accountability.” 

The training of enumerators, which is currently underway, covers a wide range of topics including maternal and child health, nutrition, water quality testing, mental health, immunisation, and violence against women. Fieldwork will begin immediately after the 26-day training programme, supported by five teams equipped to ensure the highest standards of data collection.

Sean Mathurin, Director of Statistics, encouraged full public participation, underscoring the importance of the initiative in shaping policies that affect entire communities.

Following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, this round of MICS represents a full-scale reboot of Saint Lucia’s national data collection efforts. Since 2023, local and international teams have been working closely to ensure a rigorous, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to implementation.

With the rollout of MICS 7, Saint Lucia reinforces its commitment to leaving no one behind — using data to drive change and improve lives, especially for the youngest members of society.