Final legal defence fails; Steve, Ish to be extradited to U.S. by Oct. 18

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has said businessmen Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh may not be extradited to the United States until October 18. 

The two of them face 95 charges relating to the construction of the Piarco Airport terminal building.

In a statement Sunday Ramlogan said the delay is because the U.S. Government has said authorities there would need some extra time to complete certain internal administrative procedures and arrangements for the transfer of the two men. 

The delay is partly because of the Columbus Day holiday on Monday.

Galbaransingh and ferguson made a last ditch attempt over the weekend for a stay of the extradition but a judge refused. Their lawyers claimed that they learned of the AG's decision through media reports.

Ramlogan's release confirmed that the extradition decision was communicated to the lawyers Sunday.

“The Attorney General has indicated that he is unable to give his consent to the requested stay of execution of his extradition decision...The Attorney General has informed the U.S. Government of his decision to accede to the requested extradition," the statement said.