National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC)
The NCC ( formerly the Carnival Development Committee) was established by Act 9 of 1991, as enacted by the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, and assented to on August 5, 1991.
The NCC Board shall consist of:
Nine persons who have demonstrated an interest in the cultural or commercial aspect of Carnival and with experience or training in finance, management , government, international trade, law export oriented business, commerce, culture or the arts. These shall include:-
- One nominee from the organisation that is most representative of the Steelband movement
- One nominee from the organisation that is most representative of Carnival bands;
- One nominee from the organisation that is most representative of Calypsonians;
- Such other persons as the Minister may appoint.
Functions of the N.C.C.
- the regulation, co-ordination or conduct of all Carnival activities throughout the country held under the aegis of the Government
- the development, maintenance and review of rules, regulations and carnival festivities throughout the country
- the identification , evaluation and promotion of all Carnival related industries with a view, to the enhancing and marketing of their cultural products and services; and
- the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for Carnival with a view to optimizing the revenue earning potential of the festival and its contribution to the national economy, considering:-
- the unexplored potential of Carnival;
- the possibility of marketing of carnival products and activities in domestic and export markets;
- the contribution by the private sector to the funding of specific aspects of Carnival; and
- the establishment of closer promotional links between the tourist industry and the carnival industry.
Departments
The day to day business of the Commission is co-ordinated by the Chief Executive Officer and the staff of forty-nine (49) administrative and technical personnel.
The management of Carnival however requires multi-pronged actions and diverse strategies to react to changing situations.
Generally, functions are grouped and allocated to committees of culture aficionados, who volunteer their skills and expertise annually, to ensure that infrastructure, goods and services are provided effectively and efficiently.
The major committees appointed by the Commission include:-
- Tenders (standing Board Committee)
- Finance (standing Board Committee)
- Regional Carnival ( standing Board Committee)
- Operations and Services
- Parade of Bands
- Accreditation
- Hospitality
- Dimanche Gras
Over the years, these committees have traditionally assisted the Commission to oversee construction of all temporary stands, stages, vendor’s booths, Health and Emergency Services, crowd control, signage, House management, band control and the on going review of competition rules and training / retraining of Carnival judges.
Department Managers
- Communications Department
- Corporate / Legal Department
- Human Resources
- Marketing and Sales
- Security Depatment
The Communications department is responsible for external and employee communications within the Commission. The Department’s responsibilities include:
- Communications Strategy
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Internal Communications
- Reputation Management
- Corporate Responsibility
- Brand Management.
Some of the Department’s other responsibilities include corporate image management and establishing and maintaining effective lines of communication amongst various NCC stakeholders.
Additionally, as it assists in the promotion of the NCC’s products and services, the Communications Department is also responsible for the design and dissemination of key internal and external communication pieces that support programmes aimed at building a positive image of the NCC and the Carnival industry as a whole.
The Corporate Department is a small but busy department in the National Carnival Commission. It works to ensure the effective management and good governance of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and can be considered the hub of the organisation. The Department works closely with the Chairman and the Board of the NCC, supporting them in their role and the execution of their duties.
The Corporate Legal department is responsible for;
- Ensuring that the NCC complies with the requisite employment and contract laws;
- Maintaining corporate documents and records ensuring compliance;
- Advising on any issues arising;
- Managing all aspects relating to the NCC Board; and
- Overseeing the procurement processes relating to Carnival.
The Human Resources Department provides the NCC with structure and the ability to meet business needs through managing our company’s most valuable asset — our employees. The Department has two basic functions: overseeing department functions and managing employees. The two basic functions encompass a range of responsibilities including:
- Recruitment, selection, and dismissal
- Workplace Safety
- Employee Relations (including welfare and motivation)
- Labour Management Relations (including addressing employees grievances)
- Compensation and Benefits
- Compliance
- Training and Talent Development
- Performance Appraisal
Devon Phillip, Marketing and Sales Manager
The Marketing and Sales Department aims to achieve sustainable and profitable growth, while meeting consumer changing preferences through relevant partnerships and promotion of high quality Carnival events.
The Department’s primary functions include:
- Planning and implementing integrated marketing strategies for commercially viable Carnival related products services and events of the Commission locally, regionally and internationally, with a view to generating commercial and social interest.
- Partnering with other corporate entities in order to facilitate the development of the overall Carnival brand. We will do this by soliciting and coordinating sponsorship/branding arrangements with key stakeholders.
- Developing partnership/relationships with international Carnival Bodies with a view to seeking cost effective promotional opportunities in other countries.
- Overseeing the promotion and rental of the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) facilities and materials as one of NCC’s income streams, we offer competitive rates while ensuring client satisfaction at all times.
- Research, negotiate and manage media and streaming rights for local, regional and international coverage of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival events under the auspices of the NCC/SIGs.
- Managing hospitality services for VIPs for Carnival events held under the auspices of the NCC/SIGs
Research into creating Carnival products that are marketable globally.
Clyde Charles, Manager
The primary responsibilities of the Security department include the safeguarding NCC staff, equipment and facilities and the provision of security services to events of various sizes; with the biggest being Carnival. The Department coordinates security, not only at the Queen Park Savannah, but at other locations in Port-of- Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Biche, Chaguanas, and wherever major Carnival events are hosted by the National Carnival Commission, Regional Corporations/Boroughs and NCC Special Interest Groups.
Some of the department’s responsibilities include:
- Plan, organise and coordinate security for the largest annual security event, Carnival, along with security and law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders
- Organise workshops for Carnival on “Security Management for Major Events” for personnel from security companies, security supervisors, Mas bands
- Evaluate security companies that tender to provide services for Carnival
- Recommend security procedures and strategic plans to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Commissioners.
- Identify, investigate, or resolve security breaches
- Assist in emergency management and contingency planning following emergency response procedures.
The Security Department has a Venue Operations Centre (VOC) in the Grand Stand of the Queen Park Savannah that uses advanced surveillance technology and trained personnel to control and manage the safety and security operations around the Savannah on a 24-hour basis, year round.