Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is calling on the US Congressional delegation to intervene swiftly on Antigua & Barbuda's behalf on the issue of the US challenge to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling on Internet gaming.
Mr. Spencer spoke candidly at Saturday morning's breakfast meeting with the US congressional delegation, government officials and business leaders of Antigua & Barbuda at Grand Royal Antigua Resort.
He registered his government's disappointment of the less than "conciliatory approach" by the US over the WTO's ruling on the Internet gaming dispute.
"It is reported that US gambling interests have mounted a powerful lobby in support of the US challenge.
"To this island of under 70,000 people, with an economy in bad shape, the US actions in the Internet gaming issue appear to go to a level of shock and awe that a friendly, small nation has done nothing to deserve," the PM said.
He suggested that if the delegation was not able to influence a withdrawal of the US challenge to the WTO ruling then "I petition the Congressional group to intervene by assisting us to source and fund legal resources of the calibre required to carry Antigua & Barbuda's case forward," he added.
In an interview yesterday at the Stanford Aviation Hangar Ltd., Mr. Spencer said he felt that the US Congressional delegation had heard his message concerning a withdrawal of the US appeal before the WTO.
"One thing is clear is that the delegation would have left here clearly understanding how seriously we view this matter.
"I would think that the matter certainly will be taken up at the highest possible level.
"Whether we will achieve our objective for the US to withdraw the appeal is another matter.
"What is important is that we needed to make the case, which I think we have done, and we sincerely hope and trust in the interest of the economy of Antigua & Barbuda that the Americans would recognise that the protocols of the WTO are designed to deal with international trade.
"We believe that as a small nation fighting very hard to find certain niches so that we can develop our economy and find employment for our people, the offshore financial sector, internet gaming and other related activities are important for our economy, and the US would appear to be opposed to this. This is against the WTO's idea of international trade and opening up the borders for cross border business activities," the PM said.
source : Antigua Sun
