Source Caribbean Life: More than two decades after they first locked horns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) the tiny island nation of Antigua and the US are at it again over the refusal of the US to compensate the Eastern Caribbean nation for destroying its online gaming industry.
Antigua therefore, took the case to the WTO to see if a small nation of less than 100,000 can win against the mighty US. It did, with the WTO ordering the US to pay Antigua $21 million annually until the case is settled but it never complied. Instead, the US offered a few non-cash options as compensation which St. John’s has persistently rejected, contending that it had lost actual cash from the extra-territorial ban and needed cash as reparations for an injustice.
Antigua has tried a few times to implement an IP protocol ban against the US and to ignore the international copyrights system for intellectual and other property creations but delegation members to various meetings with the US say they have openly been threatened with punishment were Antigua to do so.
As an indication of how bitter the issue has become and how uncomfortable Washington is with Antigua on its case for two decades, the Gaston Browne administration says it is extremely frustrated and wants its money because it won fair and square. It is willing to meet with the US to work to a satisfactory conclusion.
“Having exhausted all avenues to a settlement, it appears that Antigua and Barbuda is left only with the nuclear option of IP suspension,” the government said in a recent statement. “However, taking such a punitive course would likely come at significant economic and political costs to the government of Antigua & Barbuda.”
CARICOM governments, many in Africa, the Pacific, Asia and Europe have rallied behind Antigua while condemning American attempts to enforce its domestic laws internationally.
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Same-Oh ! M Same-oh!
The late John Ashe was not successful, Ron Saunders was not successful.
Gaston Browne can’t go to America and turn over tables as he has allegedly done when meeting with the US as he with his fellow Caribbean leaders in the past.
The US will throw his rass in a phy ward.
Advise to the wise, move on and work for world peace.
Wow wow wow wow Yes United States you owe us please pay However I would prefer if the funds is place into an escrow account not in the hands of these Infedel they are thieves when these guys are removed from governance of the Country to prove my point the government failed to provide a report on funds they have received on behalf of the Barbudans since 2017 from Various Donor Agency who are requesting a report as to how their Contribution was spent todate nothing we have heard that money is in the Bank What happened to the containers from Canada with the generators Toilets what happened to the contribution from the world renowned Hard Ware Store they double the contribution when they were told about the hurricane What happened to the funds from Spain No account. I would like to ask a very important question and just a comment all in one We will be hosting the SIDC meeting in May 27 you are now Soliciting Contribution from various Countries to off set expenses do you think that you will get the support from countries it will be a tall order you have place us into a peculiar position Prime Minister And Your Cabinet You Have To Account The People Want Answer
@U & I.
MY suspicion is this ongoing non payment by the US is deliberate. Answers to the points you laid out will not be given for obvious reasons. This administration thinks dealing with the US can be as easy as handing out free gifts to their supporters. Yes, the WTO ruled in Antigua’s favour but here lies Antigua’s problem: The US does not sleep, ever. They know every nook and cranny where monies are stashed away by unscrupulous and corrupt
politicians, therefore they are certainly not in any hurry to pay compensation knowing most ot it at least, would disappear into the pockets of the corrupt and unscrupulous. My guess is the US will make a payment but only when they feel comfortable with who is in charge of government, who can blame them?
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