WASA cites privacy concerns in refusal to release hiring records
WASA cites privacy concerns in refusal to release hiring records
Publish Date: 2026-06-28 00:11:00
Source Domain: www.guardian.co.tt
Senior Reporter
elizabeth.gonzales
@guardian.co.tt
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) says that responding to a Freedom of Information request from Guardian Media on the hiring practices and a request to disclose the figures and those who were hired over the last year is a breach of its privacy.
In a 15-page statement responding to eight questions asked by Guardian Media, WASA explained its reasons for non-disclosure, four months after the request was initially made to the authority.
In its view, while acknowledging the public interest element of the questions, its overarching concern remained on the privacy of the individuals employed at the organisation.
On May 24, Guardian Media Investigation revealed that more than 400 people, including social media influencers, were hired by WASA following the general election on April 28, 2025. In addition, Guardian Media had copies of internal reports documenting the hires, job titles, salaries and the reason for the mass recruitment.
Prior to that investigation, Guardian Media had filed its FOIA request on March 9, 2026, and WASA delayed in providing a response.
A response was only provided last week, which generally said that WASA had found no completed audit, review or assessment of the recruitment exercise.
WASA said the records contain internal advice, recommendations and discussions used in making decisions. It argued that releasing them could create uncertainty among staff, affect morale and disrupt operations. It also said the records contain personal information that could identify employees.
“The Authority is nevertheless of the view that, in the…
