Antigua and Barbuda at a Glance

The twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most sparkling gems of the British West Indies. It is 170 square miles in total - 108 square miles make up Antigua while Barbuda is 62 square miles. The scenic topography of this twin-island state from its highest peak at 1319 feet on the south side of Antigua to its lowest elevation across the waters to Barbuda is among the country's most seductive qualities that can never be overstated. Antigua boasts 365 pristine beaches, one for each day of the year, while, a 17 mile uninterrupted pink and white sand beach can be experienced in Barbuda. It is no wonder that tourism is the main industry, accounting for over 50% of gross domestic product.

The island of Antigua is located midway between the Leeward Islands, 270 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. Antigua's airport, the V.C. Bird International Airport, is regarded as one of the best in the Eastern Caribbean. It is ideally located - only 4 hours flying time from the major financial centres of New York and Toronto and 8 hours from London. The airport is also a major gateway to many other Caribbean destinations.

The islands' telecommunications system is among the best in the world with broadband Internet access widely available. The country possesses one of the highest literacy rates in the region and provides free education up to tertiary level for all nationals. This has resulted in a highly skilled, proficient workforce that can rival any in the world.

Since the first British settlement was established in the 1630's, the country has maintained strong links to British traditions. Her Majesty, the Queen, is head of state, represented by a governor-general. The legal system embodies principles of English Common Law and the islands enjoy remarkable political stability in an established environment of good governance and democracy.

Antigua and Barbuda's offshore sector faced its sternest challenge to date in 1999 when the UK and US issued a financial advisory against the jurisdiction. Consequently, the country strengthened its regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms and has become aggressive in the global fight against financial crime. In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force ("the FATF") declared Antigua and Barbuda fully cooperative in the global fight against money laundering. It found Antigua and Barbuda's legislative regime, and regulatory and enforcement machinery to be consistent with the highest international standards. In 2003, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force conducted an evaluation of the jurisdiction's anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing system and found Antigua and Barbuda to be fully compliant with regional and international standards. The IMF carried out an evaluation of the jurisdictions international banking sector in February-March, 2004. In its report the IMF has found the jurisdiction complaint or largely complaint with Basel Core Principles, regarded as the international standard in banking supervision. In order to ensure transparency, the jurisdiction authorized the IMF to publish the full text of the Detailed Assessment Report (DAR) on the IMF website.” As a result, the offshore sector continues to thrive, contributing towards the growth of the sector. The jurisdiction has successfully merged business with pleasure and has rightfully earned its place as a premier investment center, offering generous investment opportunities and a social environment which is among the best in the caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda , achieved an historical milestone as a developing nation and most notably as one of the smallest members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on March 24, 2004. The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO yielded a victorious ruling regarding the United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services. Conjunctively, the Appellate Body of the WTO affirmed the DSB findings when it ruled on April 7, 2005 in favour of Antigua and Barbuda in its Appellate Report. This triumph emboldens the desire of the WTO, whereby to facilitate the increase in participation of developing countries in trade and services and the expansion of their service exports. Additionally, the ruling in a general context can be viewed as taking into account, the need for developing countries to improve their economic and social development through the liberalization of trade in services. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to the advancement of the internet gaming sector and remains proactive in solidifying its position as a contender in such a dynamic industry