Antigua & Barbuda ‘Optimistic’ Of Favourable WTO Ruling In Internet Gaming Dispute

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

25 February 2005

Dr Errol Cort, the Finance and Economy Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, has stated that he remains optimistic of a favourable outcome in the jurisdiction’s internet gaming access dispute with the United States following a hearing in the WTO Appellate body this week.

"We believe that any resolution to this dispute will see our two countries developing a scheme reasonably acceptable to both of us that allows Antiguan operators fair competitive access to consumers in the United States,” stated Dr Cort, who orally presented a 21-page statement to the Geneva-based hearing, which began on Monday.

“Although the United States is not ready to negotiate with Antigua at this time, we are hopeful that upon Antigua prevailing in this appeal, the United States will consider constructive engagement with us to achieve a speedy and comprehensive solution," he added.

According to Dr Cort, most of the Appellate panel’s questioning of the Antiguan and American delegations were centred on each country’s interpretation of the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) rules.

However, he added that a decision in favour of the Caribbean jurisdiction would have wide reaching implications for the internet gaming industry throughout the world.

The panel is due to issue a written decision within 45 days of the end of the hearing.

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