Demand for Key Public Services Increased as Population Grew in 2012

"The Compendium of Statistics 2012 released today by the Economics and Statistics Office shows that the country’s year-end population grew by 2.2%"

The Compendium of Statistics 2012 released today by the Economics and Statistics Office shows that the country’s year-end population grew by 2.2% in 2012 to reach 56,732. This is the largest percentage movement since the 3.7 percent growth in 2008.

⫿The population increase presents the country with an opportunity for economic growth, as well as a challenge for the government in providing the necessary services particularly social services,??? noted the Hon. Marco Archer, Minister for Finance and Economic Development.

Social services were on the uptrend in 2012. Total enrolment from reception to secondary education for the school-year 2012-2013 reached 7,743, higher by 1.3% (or 97 students) as compared to the prior school-year. The increase represents a reversal of the decline noted between school years 2011-2012 and 2010-2011.

Data on the number of persons receiving children and family services indicate that those granted with ⫿poor relief??? in 2012 rose marginally (by 0.9% or 9 persons) to 978 while those granted with indigent medical care rose sharply (by 18.6% or 57 persons) to 363. Recipients of free school lunches also moved up significantly (by 19.8% or 160 students) to 967 in 2012.

In addition, judicial and court statistics reveal an increase in the number of persons provided with Legal Aid in 2012 relative to 2011. Those assisted in criminal cases went up by 32.7% to reach 276 while those assisted in civil cases rose by 15.2% to total 244.