The ongoing dispute between the United States and Antigua and Barbuda over World Trade Organization obligations could drag on into a new presidential administration, according to a key figure in the negotiations.

Antigua Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort said there have not been any developments in negotiations with the U.S., and there are three likely possibilities for an outcome:

• send the matter back to the WTO and let it determine reasonable compensation owed to Antigua and Barbuda;

• let the matter drag into a new U.S. presidential administration that will take office in January; or

• simply accept the provisions that the two parties have agreed upon.

Cort ultimately concluded that continued negotiations would be necessary before a decision can be reached.

With another deadline to resolve the matter fast approaching, the two parties are expected to file another extension and continue negotiations.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.