Census takers are currently operating in 160 enumeration districts across Antigua and Barbuda as part of the ongoing 2025 Population and Housing Census, officials say.

Deputy Census Officer Tracelyn Joseph told state media that fieldwork began in September using a phased approach, starting in 200 of the country’s 400 enumeration districts. Attrition among workers has reduced active coverage.

Joseph said census workers may not be visible in all communities at once and noted that some visits fail when residents are not home or do not respond to callback cards. She also said participation is sometimes hindered by misconceptions that the census is politically driven or linked to immigration enforcement.

Assistant to the Deputy Census Officer Deborah Barnes said enumerators face repeated non-responses, despite residents being at home, but thanked those who have cooperated and praised workers for persisting.

Officials reminded the public that census workers carry official identification, including a census vest and ID, and said a recruitment drive is underway at statistics.gov.ag to support completion of the national exercise.