NCC Hosts Security Workshop 2018

Port of Spain, Trinidad, January 18, 2018: The National Carnival Commission (NCC) once again championed its ongoing commitment to maintaining Carnival security at its annual workshop; welcoming more than 100 representatives from the Carnival Security Industry, including local security companies, various heads of Mas Bands security, and Security Supervisors, at its VIP Lounge, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah.

This year, unlike previous installments, the workshop extended over two days, January 17 and 18, as opposed to the usual one-day intensive programme, to better cater for additional speakers and presentations.

Entitled “Planning and Organising Security Management for Major Events”, the forum once again took aim at underscoring the importance of proactively identifying and addressing security and emergency management issues and providing tips on developing effective contingency measures.

This year’s presenters included former Minister of National Security, Gary Griffith; Gold Commander and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Deodath Dulalchan; US Embassy Trinidad and Tobago Representative, Robert Byrd; Clyde Charles, NCC Security Manager; Dr. Suzanne Burke, NCC Commissioner; James Thompson, Security Consultant; and Earl Hernandez, Chief Disaster Risk Officer, Ministry of Local Government.

The presenters spoke on a wide range of topics, including the Dynamics of Mas Events, Planning and Organising Security, Conflict Resolution, Mass Shooting and Terrorism in Major Events, Protocol Relationship, Intelligence and Surveillance Trends, Readiness and Disaster Management, and Teamwork and Performance Management.

In sharing the rationale behind the workshop, organiser and NCC Security Manager, Clyde Charles said, “To understand the magnitude behind putting security measures in place for Carnival, it can be summed up by the acronym R.O.P.E.”

“The ‘R’ is a reflection of what happened in all the Carnivals that have gone by. So we manage Carnival first by reflecting. The things that we did correctly last time, we want to make better. The things that we didn’t do so well, we want to improve upon.

“The ‘O’ is for organising elements in the right way to ensure success. This means reaching out to all the parties concerned and organising around similar goals and agendas to ensure that you are on all the same page. ”

“The most critical part of R.O.P.E. is the ‘P’ which stands for preparation. Because if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. And the last part, the ‘E’, stands for execution. Once everything is in place, the last measure is to execute and execute well.”

He concluded by adding that “Security is our number one priority and we must not drop the ball.”

Participants were also treated to an informative and engaging lecture by Dr. Hollis Liverpool (The Mighty Chalkdust) on some of the historical and cultural significance of Carnival and what it means to the nation as a whole.

At the close of the workshop, participants were presented certificates of completion.

A cross-section of some of this year’s participants

Getting to know each other was also on this year’s agenda

Dr. Liverpool enthralls the head table and the audience with a riveting discussion on the history and evolution of Carnival

(From left to right) Clyde Charles, NCC Security Manager; Colin Lucas, NCC Executive Chairman; Gary Griffith, and Ulric Miller.

NCC Executive Chairman, Colin Lucas welcomes the audience

Former Minister of National Security, Gary Griffith shares some tips on the Dynamics of Mas Events, Planning and Organising Security

All smiles as the NCC Security team takes part in the workshop

NCC Security Manager, Clyde Charles shares the rationale behind the acronym R.O.P.E. and the importance of security at Carnival time.