A ruling today at the Court of Appeal could see UNC financiers-Ish Galbaransimgh and Steve Ferguson-on their way to a Miami District Court to answer fraud charges relating to the construction of the Piarco Airport Development project. But more importantly, if the panel of judges uphold the appeal on the constitutional motion brought by the businessmen, it would effectively mean any extradition under the Extradition (Commonwealth and Foreign Territories) Act 1985 would be unlawful.
In the first appeal, the appellants are challenging the decision by Justice Vasheist Kokaram to dismiss a constitutional motion challenging the legality of the Act. They also are appealing the refusal by Justice Joan Charles to judicially review the decision by Attorney General to sign off on their extradition to the United States.
On May 4, 2006, a Florida State grand jury returned an indictment against the appellants and several others. They were indicted on charges relating to corrupt practices in relation to CP 9 and 13 construction packages in the project. The charges include conspiracy to engage in money laundering and bid-rigging. Appeal Judges Wendell Kangaloo, Allan Mendonca and Paula Mae Weekes will deliver their judgment today.