UTT Outreach host Crisis Communication Workshop

Facilitator Dr. Stephen Ramroop (front row - extreme right) and guest presenter Ms. Hema Ramkissoon (back row, third from the left) with workshop participants.

Today's rapidly changing world is full of uncertainties.  It has now become very common to hear of a company running smoothly today and experiencing a major crisis tomorrow.  Crisis management, the application of strategies designed to help an organisation deal with a sudden and significant negative event, is essential for the successful running of any organisation. As an employer, it is crucial to be prepared and to have a plan of action to handle any crisis, whether big or small. 

On August 20 - 22, 2018, UTT Outreach hosted at the UTT Chaguanas Campus, it's very first Crisis Communication Management Workshop facilitated by Dr. Stephen Ramroop.  This three (3) day interactive workshop focused on how to plan crisis communication strategies, systems and resources. Emphasis was also placed on the need to have the communication function fully prepared to respond rapidly and effectively in a crisis, in order to manage perceptions in media and online. Participants learnt various best practice in crisis communication strategy, risk assessment, systems, teams, protocols and resources including crisis manuals and tools. The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Naparima Bowl and La Roopchand and Company were among some of the companies that participated in the workshop.  Guest speaker was Ms. Hema Ramkissoon, the host of CNC3's The Morning Brew television programme, who highlighted some of the challenges organisations face during a crisis when dealing with the media. She also critiqued the participants' presentation on the Crisis Management Plan.