United States prosecutors are building an even more serious case against local businessman Steve Ferguson, who has allegedly attempted to interfere with his prosecution on charges related to the Piarco Airport development project.
By Darren BahawA Federal Grand Jury is expected to review the new evidence against him, which includes secret recordings, before a fresh indictment is returned, listing the new charges, reliable sources disclosed on Friday.
Ferguson, who already faces a string of criminal charges, both here and in the United States, related to an international scheme to steal millions of dollars during the construction of the airport project, is currently challenging in court his extradition to the United States.
It was during the hearing of that lawsuit it was revealed that the former Maritime Financial Group executive had been accused of creating false and fraudulent documents in an attempt to obstruct the prosecution of his case before a Federal Court.
The $1.6 billion airport was constructed under the United National Congress administration and at least three government ministers, Brian Kuei Tung, Carlos John and Sadiq Baksh, along with former prime minister Basdeo Panday, his wife, Oma, several businessmen, former party financiers, and other top public officials have been charged with either receiving or giving corrupt payments linked to the project.
One set of local charges have been dragging along in the magistrates' court for over four and a half years, and while all the evidence has been recorded, lawyers still have to give closing submissions on the strength of the evidence when the enquiry resumes on February 12 before Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls.
Another set of criminal charges is yet to get off the ground and is scheduled to come up for hearing on Thursday.
US prosecutors say they have an overwhelming case against Ferguson, another local businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh, and his construction company, Northern Construction Ltd, who are charged with a total of 84 offences, including conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and bank fraud, and are anxious to put them on trial.
Last week, three other defendants-Raul Gutierrez Jr, Richard Lacle and Leonardo Arturo Mora-Rodriguez-and a Miami-based corporation, Calmaquip Engineering Corporation, who were jointly charged with the local businessmen, were all sentenced to varying jail terms by Miami Federal Court judge Paul Huck.
Three others, Eduardo Hillman-Waller, Armando Paz and Rene Diaz de Villegas, are scheduled to be sentenced by Huck on Friday.
The six foreigners all admitted their guilt late last year and some of them have been cooperating with local law enforcement officers in an attempt to identify other individuals who may have benefited from the airport scandal.
Attorney General John Jeremie, who has been leading Government's focus on tracking those who had stolen money through corrupt means, said last week that the convictions in the United States were a "vindication of the Government's resolve to fight corruption everywhere and wherever it may exist."
He added that the jailing of the three defendants sent a powerful signal to those who hold public office of the heavy responsibility that goes with it.
