Events such as births, deaths, and marriages have a significant impact on a nation, and as such the records of these events, referred to as vital statistics, are kept under Government authority.

Registration of deaths, births and marriages are done at the Registrar General's Department (RGD), with the CivilRegistration and Vital Statistics Unit responsible for collating this crucial information.

This department also disseminates the information to other government agencies such as the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), as well as to the general public.

"Sometimes we receive requests from persons who perhaps are studying and need that information. We also produce information that is used by the Pan American Health Organisation and other such related agencies," says Acting Manager of the RGD's Civil Registration and Statistics Department, Monique Lynquee.

Vital statistics are available on request from the unit, but the department also produces monthly and annual statistics. Annual statistics are presented in two sets: preliminary and final statistics.

For example, for the year 2005, the preliminary statistical report became due at the end of January 2006 and the final report at the end of December 2006.

Collected islandwide

The Civil Registration Unit receives all incoming registration information from various RGD locations islandwide, and these are then collected, analysed and presented as vital statistics.

"Births and deaths are recorded at registration centres islandwide and these are transmitted to our regional offices and then to the head office. Marriage certificates are brought in by the marriage officers, directly to either the head office or the regional office," informs the acting manager.

Meanwhile, the RGD's Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Unit has formed a partnership with the Statistics Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which also provides them with information necessary for registering sudden and violent deaths.