(Trinidad Express) United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, says it will be “highly disappointing if, after years of investigation”, the case involving Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson “was not brought to trial”.
In September, the US Embassy in Port of Spain issued a statement indicating that the American Government continues to seek the extradition of the two men, who are charged in the Piarco Airport construction scandal, despite the High Court ruling last year, which effectively put a halt to the duo facing criminal prosecution in a US Federal Court.
In an electronic interview with the Express about her time as Ambassador to T&T, Welters said: “Mr Galbaransingh and Mr Ferguson are accused of committing fraud involving millions of dollars.
“It would be highly disappointing if, after years of investigation, their case was not brought to trial.”
Welters, who took up her position on April 27, 2010, has submitted her resignation as is customary leading up to the presidential elections and will demit office tomorrow.
Prior to this, Welters was president and chairperson of the AnBryce Foundation, which provides long-term academic and leadership enrichment programmes for underserved youth.
“Helping disadvantaged youth has always been my passion. So I worked to bring high-profile American leaders here, such as former secretary of state Colin Powell and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, to share their stories and inspire the youth of this nation.
“Similarly I worked to bring the US National Symphony Orchestra to put on ‘A Symphony of Pride’ in honour of the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s independence. While they were here they also worked with young musicians to offer them lessons and guidance so Trinidad can be a world-class musical destination,” she said.
Before becoming Ambassador, Welters said she never lived in any country outside the United States for an extended period of time and “was both honoured and hesitant” to come here.
