The General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) completed its final (4th) round of collecting data on prices of consumer goods on 30 November 2018.

The International Comparison Program (ICP project) is a global statistical partnership in which various countries participate. Its aim is to monitor the development of comparable price and volume data on goods and services among countries and across regions. ICP project surveys are held throughout the year, on a quarterly basis (i.e. there are four rounds a year).

The first (1st ) part of this survey took place in the period 19 February – 01 March 2018. The second (2nd ) part of this survey took place in the period 15  – 29 May 2018. The third (3rd) part of this survey took place in the period 14  – 31 August 2018, and the fourth (4th ) part, in the period 23 – 30 November 2018, collecting selling prices of selected goods and services. In the 4th round (the 4th quarter), data was collected digitally using ASUS-T102 mini laptops / tablets.

In addition to the collection of price data, so-called “special surveys” were used to collect data (series on wages and salaries) from ministries. We also made use of modules for “Construction”, “Machines & Equipment” and “Private Education”.

The ICP survey was carried out by ABS staff in the following districts: Paramaribo, Wanica, Commewijne, Saramacca and Para.

The activities are in compliance with the provisions contained in the Statistics Act (2002 Bulletin of Acts and Decrees, no. 97) and the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics of the United Nations.