The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is seeking payment of $100m as a means to end their dispute over internet gambling with the US.
According to the Jamaica Observer the amount is negotiable, with the Antiguan prime minister Gaston Browne stating the country will also accept payment in the form of contributions to their Defence Force and to the American University of Antigua. The payment is sought as compensation for the events of 2005 in which the US prohibited operation of offshore internet gambling sites, thus violating international trade agreements. The World Trade Organisation awarded $21m to Antigua and Barbuda, which the country’s representatives feel is insufficient. Browne believes these new terms are reasonable and that any suggestion that aggressive negotiations will be entered in to has “never been articulated by anyone in [his] government.”
