NCC Hosts 1-Day Security Workshop

Port of Spain, Trinidad: January 22, 2015: The National Carnival Commission (NCC) hosted a comprehensive workshop for over 100 members from the Security Industry, including local security companies, various heads of Mas Band security, and Security Supervisors, at its VIP Lounge, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah on Tuesday, January 20.

The one-day workshop, entitled “The Changing Security Landscape” was aimed at underscoring the importance of identifying events and activities in advance to proactively address security and emergency management issues and develop contingency measures.

Presenters included Colonel Roger Carter, Trinidad & Tobago Defense Force; Clyde Charles, NCC Security Manager, Dr. Mareba Scott, NCC Strategy and Business Development Manager; James Thompson, Security Consultant, and Earl Hernandez, Chief Disaster Risk Officer, Ministry of Local Government.

They spoke to a wide range of topics, including Protocol Relationship, Ebola and Carnival, Customer Service and Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Disaster Management, the Dynamics of Mas Events Planning and Security, and Surveillance and Terrorism.

In sharing the rationale behind the workshop, organiser and NCC Security Manager, Clyde Charles said, “Effective coordination and communication between stakeholders, event sponsors, emergency management agencies, and law enforcement agencies are critical elements to ensuring that events run smoothly, and that contingencies are in place for any potential major incidents.”

“An operation plan is designed with the objective of coordinating a security presence that is aimed at enhancing public safety, maintaining the public peace and responding appropriately to any emergencies.”

“It is through proper planning, effective security deployment, and the allocation of sufficient resources that the security effort will be able to provide a safe environment, so that everyone can experience an enjoyable Carnival,” Charles added.

At the end of the workshop, participants were given a tour of the NCC’s Carnival facilities at the Queen’s Park Savannah, and NCC Chair, Lorraine Pouchet, distributed certificates of participation to all attendees.

Clyde Charles, NCC Security Manager, leads the workshop with a presentation on effective security measures before an enrapt audience.

NCC Enhances the Masquerader Experience: As part of its overall effort to ease the congestion on the Drag on Carnival Tuesday, the National Carnival Commission has built special spectator seating arrangements, beside which vendors will now be allowed to set up and ply their businesses. The measure will significantly reduce traffic congestion along the stretch, giving masqueraders more room, and easier access to the Grand Stage. Additionally, executive restrooms will be placed on the southern side of the Drag for masqueraders. Pictured here are the new seating areas being erected.