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Friday, October 22, 2004
The Antigua and Barbuda Government is fighting to protect its gaming industry, which suffered a huge hit last year when the US imposed new sanctions against internet gambling. A top-level team from the tiny island was due to meet with a US delegation, all in the hope of bringing some closure to the long standing dispute.
Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort said both sides saw it as the final opportunity to reach a mutual agreement. Antigua has since taken the US to the World Trade Organisation for breaching the rules of global commerce. The island reportedly lost about thirty-seven and a half million dollars in taxes as a result of the American restrictions. Many persons who worked in on-line gaming casinos also lost their jobs, in an industry that was primed to act as a viable alternative to the tourism sector.
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