ST. CROIX – The Eastern Caribbean Center of the University of the Virgin Islands will be conducting its annual Virgin Islands Community Survey (VICS) among residents in the territory during September and October, according to a UVI press release.

The 2013 VICS will update data from the 2012 VICS, the 2010 Census, and will generate official Virgin Islands statistics relating to economics, population, housing, labor and employment.

The survey will be administered by UVI employees who will each have official UVI identification cards.

The VICS is conducted to provide a better understanding of statistical changes in housing and population in the VI. Demographic surveys provide significant information to educators, the legislature, businesses and anyone needing information about the community.

“This is really the only source of information for the Virgin Islands where we have comprehensive housing and population information,” said Dr. Asha DeGannes, acting director of the Eastern Caribbean Center. Dr. DeGannes encourages the public to participate in the survey when contacted as many government and non-profit agencies rely on the data for grant applications and other types of funding.

The survey is confidential and all information is accessible only to select authorized employees of the Eastern Caribbean Center.

“All of our employees – full-time, part-time and temporary – are required to take an oath of confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement,” Dr. DeGannes said.

For more information about the Virgin Islands Caribbean Survey, call the Eastern Caribbean Center at (340) 693-1020.