Antigua and Barbados are still battling against America

Since the closure of the Western Union offices in Antigua and Barbuda, speculation has been quick to link the action to American protestation against the island states.
Indeed, as these were the only branches of the offices closed, many are convinced the action was the result of US protest against the offshore gaming that the two islands continue to harbor.
The offices were closed for a week and were intended to inhibit the gaming companies from their operations.
Even Ron Maginley, Consultant and former Director of Offshore Gaming, agrees the action needs to be looked at in light of the ongoing WTO issue between America, Antigua and Barbuda.
Since these were the only jurisdictions in where the offices were shut down, and because it was a unilateral move, it leaves little doubt that it comes as a reaction to the ongoing trials at the WTO.
Western Union is connected to the online gaming companies as a major supplier of payment solutions. Their closure hindered not simply the gaming, but also denied the online gambling companies in Antigua and Barbuda the means of making payments from winnings back to their customers.
This latest action has inflamed many as another step in pressuring companies conducting legal business on the islands. Accordingly, they believe such companies should be permitted to continue with their services in these locations.
Western Union halted all its services in Antigua both to and from the island until the outcome of a review.
The SUN learnt that Western Union International suspended all services by its franchise in Antigua and halted operations by the four branches, pending satisfactory completion of an ongoing internal review.
Western Union spokesperson said all transaction not yet received will be transferred back to the centre.
According to these spokespersons such internal reviews are regularly conducted to identify possible problem issues. However, they were unable to give a deadline as to when this particular review would be completed.
According to the initial decision by the WTO, it is illegal for the US to prohibit companies operating in Antigua and Barbuda and denying them access to providing services to the America.

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