Protocol Basics

COSTAATT Tobago Learning Centre

15th February, 2008
Mrs. Mia Persad-Douglas
 PROTOCOL
Protocol is said to be an internationally
recognised system of courtesy and
respect.

Protocol is the set of rules prescribing

good behaviour in official life and
ceremonies involving Governments and
Nations and their representatives.
 Protocol cont’d
It is the recognised system of international
courtesy.

Protocol serves as a useful guide on how

to behave in Official relations with persons
of different countries and national origins,
no matter how diverse their national
custom may be.
 Protocol - definition
The observation of good sense and good
taste and the need for conduct of national
and international affairs in both the public
and private sectors. It lays down the rules,
which, in every sphere of interaction,
ensure that each person receives the
position and respect to which his office
entitles him and which is recognised by
society.
Protocol Information Resources
Always consult the experts:
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 The office of the Head of State
 Office of the Prime Minister
 United Nations
 Chief of Defense Staff
 Foreign Embassies and Missions
 Ministry of Information & other experts
Elements of the Protocol Plan
Date and time of the event
Goals and objectives of the event
Type of event
List and profile of participants
Precedence
Forms of address and greetings
Itinerary and Schedule
 Items to be Printed
This would address all of your printing needs
to support the event which would include:

 Letters of invitation
 Invitations to the event
 Programme
 Invitations to social events
 Items to be Printed cont’d
 Response cards
 Place cards
 Name badges
 Escort cards
 Menu cards
 Directional signs
 Seating guide
 Items to be Printed cont’d
 Table numbers
 Award certificates
 Protocol checklist
 Guest lists
 Event materials, media kits, press
releases.
 HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is the area where specific pre-
planning and attention to detail will ensure
the comfort and safety of your participants
and the guests addressed.
Meet and Greet on arrival / departure.
Special arrangements for honoured
guests, sponsors, funders speakers.
 Hospitality cont’d
Confirm that the rules of protocol and
etiquette are observed, when preparing
the following:
Itinerary/Schedules
Arrivals / Departures
Transportation and parking
Accommodation
Entertainment
 Hospitality cont’d
Spouses / Companion Programmes
Meals (Dietary restrictions)
Contracts / Fees / Honoraria
Interpretation Requirements
Sign Language
Persons with disabilities
Security
 Precedence
A table of precedence is the official order of
precedence of a state (or organisation).
 Table of Precedence
1. President of the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago
2. Prime Minister of the Republic of
Trinidad and Tobago
3. Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago
4. Deputy Prime Minister
5. President of the Senate
6. Speaker of the House of Representatives
 Table of Precedence cont’d
7. Cabinet Ministers (*Chief Secretary of the
Tobago House of Assembly)
8. Ambassadors and High Commissioners
(precedence in accordance with the date
of presentation, credentials or of
appointment)
9. Archbishop of Port-of-Spain
10. Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago
 Table of Precedence cont’d
11.Chief Representative of the Hindu
Religion
12.Chief Representative of the Muslim
Religion
13.Chief Representative of the Council of
Evangelical Churches
14.Leader of the Opposition
15.Justices of Appeal
 Table of Precedence cont’d
16.Judges of the High Court
17. Ministers accredited to Trinidad and
Tobago; Charge d’Affairs; acting High
Commissioners
18.Parlimentary Secretaries
19.Vice-President of the Senate
20.Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives