Census workers have started visiting homes across Antigua as the 2025 national population and housing census officially gets under way.

Enumeration teams began door-to-door visits in Cassada Gardens and other communities over the weekend. The exercise, which runs through October, will eventually cover all 400 districts in Antigua and Barbuda. Work in Barbuda is due to start next month.

Chief Statistician Stachel Edwards confirmed the census had been delayed but said preparations and training were now complete. About 200 enumerators, supported by supervisors and IT staff, will conduct interviews using tablets rather than paper forms.

Edwards stressed that all data is confidential and will not be shared with police or immigration. Enumerators will carry photo IDs, branded vests and census bags to reassure residents of their authenticity.

The census aims to count everyone who has lived in Antigua and Barbuda for more than six months. Officials say the information will be vital for national planning in areas such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.