Michael Dunkley has announced that tomorrow will be Census Day, with the official process of counting the population beginning on Saturday.

It is anticipated that the process will last through the fall.

In a press statement yesterday, the Premier said: “As a general reminder, the benefit of a census is that it provides a snapshot of the size and profile of the population and housing stock at a given point of time.

“Historically, census data has been used to develop effective strategies relating to infrastructure, education, health, employment and other economic and social issues.

“The length of time between the 2010 and 2016 censuses is the smallest in Bermuda’s history. We believe that more frequent censuses would allow government, its partners and community stakeholders, to make policies and decisions based on current information.”

Mr Dunkley said he hoped to have the community’s full participation in the 2016 census and that he would make it as convenient as possible for people to do so.

The census will be conducted in four phases using the following methods: a web-based application for the collection and management of census information during the 2016 Census of Population and Housing; computer-assisted telephone interviews; computer-assisted personal interviews using net-books; and a mail-out questionnaire option.

Mr Dunkley added: “I should point out that, historically, data collection in Bermuda’s censuses involved person-to-person interviews only.

“In the 2010 Census, the Department of Statistics introduced telephone interviewing as a data-collection method.

“This year, as we introduce the primary and preferred method of online data collection, again, we are encouraging all residents to participate. We believe that the e-census method is the quickest, easiest and most convenient method. Please follow the steps on the letter that is being mailed to your household today.

“As an assurance, I think it’s important to remind residents that all information and data gathered from you is protected as outlined in the Statistics Act, 2002. So all information collected is held in the strictest of confidence.”

Mr Dunkley said it was the “civic duty” of members of the community to participate. Last year the government counted 64,000 people but Mr Dunkley stressed that the census “goes beyond just counting the numbers”.

“Ultimately it’s about improving your quality of life, supporting all our families, ensuring safer communities and strengthening our workforce and economy,” he said.

“And we need your help in shaping our community’s future.”