- St. Johns, Antigua – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reached an agreement with the nation’s gaming industry through the leadership of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority to collaborate to resolve a decade-long impasse with the United States government over remote gaming services.
This newly formed partnership will fight for the billions of dollars lost in potential gaming revenue from the online gaming trade dispute caused by the United States’ failure to abide by numerous rulings of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“Let me be clear: our goal is to negotiate the best possible deal for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. When we are successful, it will result in a rejuvenated industry,” Harold Lovell, Minister of Finance and the Economy said. “Full compliance by the United States will mean jobs and opportunities for our people. Increased jobs, investment and domestic spending will also generate revenues we will use to invest in education, further job creation and job training that will benefit every Antiguan and Barbudan.”
For nearly a decade, each time the issue of remote gaming has come before the WTO, regarded as “the most powerful legislative and judicial body in the world” it has ruled in Antigua’s favor. With the U.S. having an elevated and intensified motivation for adhering to decisions of the WTO as a result of a number of high-profile disputes with China, the Antiguan and Barbuda government has organized key stakeholders to stand united to push for a fair and comprehensive resolution of the dispute.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has maintained a leadership role in this new public-private partnership and is encouraged by what the pooling of resources and abilities can bring to the table in anticipated negotiations with the United States.
The wider Caribbean region, including Antigua and Barbuda, has suffered economically as a result of the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression. A recovery of the remote gaming industry would have a substantial positive impact on the country’s ailing economy, adding diversity to the tourism industry which accounts for nearly 60 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 40 percent of investment.
“This public-private partnership enjoys broad support from the government and private sector partners,” Dr. McChesney Emanuel, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority said. “We agree with this approach and we believe it is a good investment for operators, investors, businesses and for the government. We also believe this new approach will give us an accelerated enhancement towards a settlement that will be fair and beneficial to all.”
This initiative would not be possible without the commitment and support of the private sector in Antigua and Barbuda. The remote gaming industry, and other private businesses that would benefit from a resolution of this trade dispute, are donating both their time and financial resources to assist in this campaign.
These materials are distributed by LEVICK on behalf of the Government of Antigua & Barbuda. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Embargo
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Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Embargo
Hmm, The USA doesn't like what China is doing but then it still fails to abide by numerous rulings of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on other countries. Seems a bit hypocritical.
Government and Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal Trade EmbargoTags: None -
Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
Feels like a lobbying firm p.r. move. As to the merits of the case, I think organized gambling in general whether it is in Antigua, Las Vegas, or Macau is a blot on the commonweal.Gerard>
Albuquerque, NM
Next election, vote against EVERY Republican, for EVERY office, at EVERY level. Be patriotic, save the country. -
Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
In this instance the US Govt is trying to tax monies sent from the US to the Antigua and Barbuda’s gaming industry.Comment
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Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
Illegal according to whose laws?Comment
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Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
May your attention be drawn to the following.
United States’ failure to abide by numerous rulings of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“Let me be clear: our goal is to negotiate the best possible deal for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. When we are successful, it will result in a rejuvenated industry,” Harold Lovell, Minister of Finance and the Economy said. “Full compliance by the United States will mean jobs and opportunities for our people. Increased jobs, investment and domestic spending will also generate revenues we will use to invest in education, further job creation and job training that will benefit every Antiguan and Barbudan.”
For nearly a decade, each time the issue of remote gaming has come before the WTO, regarded as “the most powerful legislative and judicial body in the world” it has ruled in Antigua’s favor.
With the U.S. having an elevated and intensified motivation for adhering to decisions of the WTO as a result of a number of high-profile disputes with China
This appears somewhat hypocritical.Comment
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Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
The WTO rules threaten our quarantine laws, and have in fact caused them to be watered down. In a proper world the members should be financially responsible for any damage caused as a consequence but the the WTO is not a suable body is it?
Frankly any restriction of what is euphamistically called "the gaming industry", an entirely parasitic activity, is OK with me.Comment
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Re: Government & Private Sector Announce Partnership to Combat Illegal USA Trade Emba
I have to completely agree with Rum Pirate. The U.S. is being _extremely_ hypocritical.. but we really shouldn't be surprised. Everything about the U.S. is hypocritical. What would be best for individuals _and_ most countries would be a complete abolishment of the WTO & associated 'Free Trade1' laws.. like that's gonna happen anytime soon.
This comment makes no 'social' judgment on the acts in question - as the U.S., itself, cares not a whit for the 'social' value when dealing with other countries. Good for the goose & all.. or, in legal terms, having 'unclean hands'.
enjoy
bobby
1 - A misnomer if ever I saw one.Comment
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