Elizabeth Gonzales and
Jensen La Vende
The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has spent €30,000 (TT$300,000) to pursue legal action against Dillian Johnson, a social media influencer, over Facebook and TikTok posts he had made online.
Johnson, known for his claims of ties to Chief Justice Ivor Archie, has been living in the UK under humanitarian protection since 2019. He faces charges under the Communications Act 2003 for posts made between 2022 and 2023 about an ex-employee and another worker at WASA.
Summons issued by JMW Solicitors LLP on June 25 have directed Johnson to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 3 at 10 am.
Contacted for comment, WASA chairman Ravindra Nanga confirmed legal proceedings were initiated.
“I can confirm that this is accurate. These are criminal matters and this action was taken following complaints by employees of extreme cyberbullying. As it occurred in England, we took the decision to pursue the matter in the interest of the authority’s employees,” he said.
Asked why WASA is representing an ex-employee, Nanga explained, “The incident stemmed from the employee’s employment with the authority, so we are obligated to continue with the matter. I am aware that there were other employees but I can’t recall how many, but these are the two major ones.”
However, Johnson says he will not back down.
“In no way am I feeling intimidated because everything I would have said or released would have been based on documentation and backed by documentation. So, no, I don’t feel anyhow by receiving the summons,” he said when contacted.
“WASA is a company that I have loved. I have worked in it for several years. It’s a company where I know a lot of employees there. It’s a company where the employees trust me enough to divulge information to me on wrongdoings, victimisation, and a number of other underhanded things that are happening in the authority.”
Johnson insisted: “It’s nothing personal. For me, I follow the paper trail. What’s verified to be authentic, I am guided by such. It’s nothing personal with anyone specific at WASA ...”
Regarding his social media content, Johnson said documents had been posted on TikTok.
“The documentation speaks for itself. It is internal documents sourced within the HR department. It’s there for the country to see what’s happening,” he explained.
Also contacted on the issue, Mark Saunders, chairman of the Public Services Association’s (PSA) WASA section, criticised its decision to allocate funds for legal action against Johnson, accusing the authority of misuse of public resources.
“Why would WASA use state money to represent works and an ex-employee in what appears to be a private issue…this has to be investigated,” he said.
“To hear they are using money to track an individual who lives aboard on behalf of private citizens, I’m sure that is a misuse of public funds, not only in TT but in pounds.”
Nanga, however, defended the decision, reiterating WASA’s obligation to its employees.
“This matter does not involve the PSA and they have no locus in this matter. The incident stemmed from the employee’s employment with the authority, so we are obligated to continue with the matter,” he said.