PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) announces the start of the Household Budget Survey (HBS) Pilot. The Household Budget Survey is designed to gather data on household expenditures in order to (re)calculate the basket of goods. The Cost of Living Adjustment calculation uses the basket of goods to weigh the importance of different category in the total expenses of a household. According to the last HBS conducted in 2005, the major components of the current basket of goods are Housing (39% of expenses), Transport & Communication (20% of the expenses), and Food (10% of expenses). Over the last ten years, speculation is that the numbers have changed; the HBS will establish the new weights and as a result give a better picture of the real COLA. The collected data will also be used in determining St. Maarten's first minimum existence income level or relative poverty level.
The sample of the Pilot HBS has been randomly selected from STATs database of addresses. The selection reflects the household density distribution of St. Maarten. The selected households are currently being contacted by STAT. Each selected household participates for two weeks.
Full and honest participation is essential as the information gathered will be used for the next 5 years when determining the COLA (inflation rate). The COLA directly influences salaries and pensions which in turn affects your income. Households who fully complete the survey period will receive a token of participation.
The HBS Pilot Survey will be conducted from 15 – 28 February. During this period, the participating households will be asked to keep a detailed log of all their expenses as well as answer questions on past expenditures such as clothing, household furnishings, transport, recreation and growing of own produce.
The nature of this particular survey demands the disclosure of personal and sensitive information. Questions will be asked regarding exact income, exact GEBE electricity and/or water bill. However, households can be assured that all information will be handled anonymously and confidentially. STAT and its interviewers are bound by a privacy clause and will not share any information with other departments or persons.
STAT would like to thank its partners Sunny Foods Supermarket, Le Grand Marche, Cost-U-Less, TelEm Group, and United Telecommunications for their participation in the Household Budget Survey. Without the help of the partners STAT would not be able to offer the selected households compensation for their time and efforts.
For any questions please contact STAT on 549-0235 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..