A viral video circulating on social media appears to show Irwin Hackshaw, identified as the Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) Head of Security, during a controversial eviction exercise in which a resident’s belongings were reportedly removed from an apartment and placed in a drain.
The location and date of the incident remain unconfirmed, as does the identity of the occupant, who is reportedly an HDC staff member.
In the circulating account of the video, a concerned resident questions why the belongings were placed in a drain, where they could be damaged by rainfall.
The man, believed to be Hackshaw, reportedly responds, “It more safe there,” before telling the resident, “You are a waste of time.”
The resident challenges the treatment, declaring, “At the end of the day, we are human beings.”
The incident has raised questions about the conduct of security personnel during evictions and whether proper procedures were followed to protect the personal property of occupants.
Public Reaction
Activist Wendell Eversley strongly criticised the incident, calling the treatment “wicked” while referencing the HDC’s controversial $3.4 billion housing procurement exercise involving concerns about the financial standing of selected contractors.
Grace Ramoutar also questioned the apparent disregard for the resident’s possessions.
“Drain n rain. Where are our hearts?” she commented.
She appealed for compassion, urging those involved to treat people kindly and ensure their belongings were properly arranged and protected from the rain.
Hackshaw’s Previous Police Investigation
Irwin Hackshaw retired from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on November 30, 2020, having served as acting Deputy Commissioner of Police and briefly as acting Commissioner.
Before his retirement, Hackshaw was the subject of investigations by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) concerning allegations of unusual financial transactions involving approximately $2 million deposited into personal bank accounts.
The allegations concerned money allegedly received from several businesses between 2014 and 2019, including questions about whether Hackshaw had undertaken private security consultancy work without the required permission while serving as a police officer.
Hackshaw maintained that money received from businesses included contributions intended to offset expenses associated with official police social events.
The PCA identified evidence warranting disciplinary proceedings over alleged unauthorised private employment and referred findings concerning possible criminal misconduct for further investigation.
A separate police investigation reportedly found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges at the time.
However, an internal disciplinary tribunal had not commenced before Hackshaw retired on November 30, 2020, despite assurances that the matter would be addressed.
The final disposition of the criminal investigation has not been independently established.
Questions for the HDC
The latest controversy raises questions about the authority exercised during eviction operations and the treatment of individuals affected.
Was the occupant served with proper notice? Who authorised the removal of the belongings? Why were the items reportedly placed in a drain? And does HDC have established procedures to safeguard personal property during evictions?
The HDC should clarify the incident, establish the identity of the official shown in the footage and explain whether its eviction protocols were followed.
Regardless of an occupant’s legal status, the exercise of authority must be accompanied by accountability, professionalism and respect for human dignity.
As the resident reminded those present: “At the end of the day, we are human beings.”