December 26, 2023 – Marigot, Dominica
Antigua and Barbuda has brought attention to its 20-year dispute with the United States over measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services. The nation highlighted the lack of progress and urged a swift resolution during recent talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In 2003, Antigua and Barbuda took its case to the WTO, contending that US laws discriminated against its Internet gambling industry, developed to compensate for declining tourism revenues. Despite winning the right to compensation of $21 million annually, the US has not paid, resulting in significant financial losses for Antigua and Barbuda.
The country emphasized that the unresolved matter is a test case for assessing the WTO’s dispute settlement system’s efficacy for small and vulnerable economies. Antigua and Barbuda called on the US to make every effort to conclude the dispute satisfactorily and expressed readiness to engage in discussions for a mutually agreeable resolution.
The United States responded, expressing disappointment with Antigua and Barbuda’s characterization of its efforts. Washington claimed repeated attempts to resolve the dispute for the benefit of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and citizens. The US remains willing to collaborate on a solution rooted in a genuine willingness to find common ground.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, speaking on behalf of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group, expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution, emphasizing that non-compliance by the world’s largest economy undermines the rules-based system of adjudication.
Several nations, including Bangladesh, South Africa, India, Nigeria (representing the African Group), and China, joined the discussion, encouraging a settlement to the long-standing dispute.
For news tips, releases, or event coverage, please contact Nate Media at [internationalprmasters@gmail.com].
