Deputy Census Officer Tracelyn Joseph (screenshot of state media)

The Census Office says continued resistance from some residents is creating difficulties for enumerators working to complete Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Population and Housing Census.

Deputy Census Officer Tracelyn Joseph said officials have encountered people refusing to answer questions, avoiding enumerators and, in some cases, allegedly instructing relatives to tell census workers they are not at home.

Joseph said field supervisors have also encountered residents who refuse to participate even when approached outside their homes.

Despite the challenges, she said some people who initially resisted have become more cooperative as enumerators continue visiting communities.

Joseph warned that participation in the census is required under Section 17 of the National Bureau of Statistics Act 2013. According to the report, failure to provide required information could result in fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, and an additional $1,000 fine for each day the failure continues after conviction.

She suggested enforcement action could eventually become necessary if resistance persists, while stressing that information collected during the exercise is confidential and will not be shared in a way that identifies individual respondents.

The Census Office is seeking to complete the national exercise by the end of the year. Officials say the data will support research, education, planning and decision-making across Antigua and Barbuda.

The national census has faced delays since fieldwork began in 2025, including a temporary suspension earlier this year during the general election period.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Census Office Warns of Possible Legal Action as Residents Resist National Count.