Ferguson's Miami Judgment Challenge Heads to Court in January 2026

Miami, USA - As the curtains rise on the tangled saga of the Piarco Airport corruption case, the spotlight is firmly on businessman Steve Ferguson. In a significant development, the NewsDay reports that two days in January 2026, specifically the 28th and 30th, have been earmarked for Ferguson’s constitutional claim regarding the enforcement of a judgment in Miami.

Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams has set these trial dates, with evidential objections expected in October. Ferguson finds himself in a bit of a pickle, having had his application for an injunction dismissed by two judges. His argument? That the Attorney General’s civil proceedings in Florida infringe upon his constitutional rights—specifically his liberty, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to a fair hearing. In past attempts, Ferguson sought to stall the Florida proceedings until related criminal cases in Trinidad and Tobago were resolved.

The Piarco Corruption Saga

At the heart of this legal labyrinth lies a corruption scandal that has rocked Trinidad and Tobago for nearly two decades. The charges launched over this entire affair include bribery, inflated contracts, and the use of foreign shell companies to siphon off funds linked to the Piarco International Airport development project, which initially kicked off back in 1996. The Associated Press notes that a jury in Miami awarded the government over $100 million in compensatory damages in a civil case that began in 2004, representing a hard-fought victory against alleged corruption.

The lawsuit, filed against several high-profile defendants including former finance minister Brian Kuei Tung, alleged a complex scheme of bribery and money laundering. While the original list of 56 defendants has dwindled to just three for the trial, the repercussions of this case are far-reaching. Trinidad’s former attorney general, Faris Al-Rawi, called the verdict a form of restitution for the people, underlining the significance of the government’s legal victories in combating corruption.

The history of this corruption case is as murky as the waters of the Caribbean. Initially launched in 2004, the allegations of corruption were complex, involving bid inflation and political interference. In fact, the saga has persisted through numerous legal battles, with ongoing investigations still bringing more revelations to light, as highlighted by the Trinidad Express.

Repercussions and Future Prospects

The most recent judgment on May 9, 2023, saw Ferguson, along with two others, hit with over US$17.3 million in legal costs and taxes, in addition to a staggering US$131.3 million in restitution. This hefty sum was attributed to findings under Florida’s civil RICO statute, underscoring the case’s gravity and international dimensions. Notably, a judge ordered Ferguson to pay US$16.6 million in attorney’s fees—costs that had ballooned due to the case’s complex nature.

This ongoing saga isn’t merely about one businessman; it’s a reflection of systemic failures that engulfed a major infrastructure project. With investigations still casting the net wide, including several prominent figures from Trinidad’s political landscape, Ferguson isn’t the only one under scrutiny. As the Attorney General’s office continues to seek justice, the hope exists that this case will bolster anti-corruption efforts not only in Trinidad and Tobago but also set a precedent for similar cases worldwide.

With a January 2026 trial on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Ferguson navigates these turbulent waters. Will he find refuge from the storm, or is this merely the next chapter in a story that refuses to fade? Only time will tell.