In a groundbreaking move to revolutionise data accessibility and transparency, the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) has unveiled its Data Visualisation Dashboard.

This was done in partnership with the Australian Government to provide crucial information to the public. 

The Government Statistician, Leota Aliielua Salani, shed light on the significance of this initiative in an exclusive interview, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of these dashboards on the people of Samoa.

There are six dashboards now live on the SBS website, the dashboards are the statistics for population, consumer price index, trade imports and exports, national accounts, government finances, and migration statistics.

When questioned about the public's interest in specific statistical data such as health concerns, climate change, and the rise in crime, Leota reiterated, "Considering that demand, we can only do things because we have many other work that we're doing. So, if there's any particular sort of interest from the users, I think that's when we have to prioritise those things."

This innovative platform not only marks a significant milestone in Samoa's statistical landscape but also reflects the SBS's unwavering dedication to leveraging technology to address societal challenges.  

Leota noted an emphasis on the dashboard's influence on education.

Furthermore, the SBS's collaborative efforts with the police department to obtain crime-related data underscore the dashboard's potential to address critical social issues. 

"In terms of the social statistics side, I think there's a lot of work that ought to be done, especially with the crime rate," stated Leota, emphasising the bureau's proactive approach to ensuring comprehensive data coverage.

"We have yet to sign an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)" added Leota. 

Leota highlighted the pivotal role of the Data Visualisation Dashboard in empowering citizens and aiding informed decision-making. 

"This tool is one of the tools that we're using to make the statistics easier for everyone to access and use," expressed Salani, underlining the SBS's commitment to promoting data transparency and accessibility.

When asked why it has taken SBS this long to create accessible data for the public, Leota replied," The skills and abilities, I would say, we have a very good team now who knows how to work things out. And I think it's the capacity of the people. Because I have to say that I haven't seen any of these things in any ministry or corporation in the government," 

Australian Deputy High Commissioner Claire McGeehan was present at the launch. During her keynote address, she stated the website will transform how data is presented, making it visually engaging and easy to understand.

"This means that more people will be able to use the information to make informed decisions that benefit their communities and the nation," said McGeehan.

"Tautai Partnership with SBS highlights Australia and Samoa’s shared commitment to using data as a tool for positive change," added McGeehan 

The Data Visualisation Dashboard embodies the SBS's visionary approach towards promoting data-driven decision-making and fostering a culture of transparency.

Leota affirmed, "It is a main part of our statistics strategy. Making sure that people have access and data or statistics being used." 

This initiative is poised to empower the citizens of Samoa, enabling them to access crucial statistical information that is instrumental in shaping the future of Samoa.