Prime Minister Spencer and Ambassador Ourisman during their discussions on Thursday. Photo by Ambassador Colin Murdoch

During discussions with newly appointed United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mary Ourisman, Spencer said that the recent legislation by the US Congress has been damaging to Antigua and Barbuda's economy and that the door is now open for serious dialogue.

He emphasized the adherence to international trade rules under WTO and that the recent legislation by the United States challenges the credibility of the organisation.  "There is enough room for common ground to be found with us reaching a balanced solution," said Spencer.

Ambassador Ourisman who arrived in the region on October 31, one day after the departure of her predecessor Mary Kramer, who has returned to the United States, said that the issue of gaming is a moral one for the United States especially for the protection of its children.  Over 80% of Antigua and Barbuda's internet gaming clients are United States citizens.

Spencer during the discussion also spoke of US-Caribbean relations and the organisation of a Caribbean conference in the United States. He also made mention of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act.

World Cup preparations were also discussed including the assistance which the United States is willing to provide under the Memorandum of Understanding which CARICOM signed with the US Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff.

The provision of consular services by the United States Embassy for residents of the Eastern Caribbean and the issues of criminal deportees were discussed.  Spencer said that the region would welcome an engagement with the United States to discuss alternatives on the deportee matter.

Ambassador Ourisman also met with Minister of Finance and Economy Dr Errol Cort, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Justin Simon Q.C., Leader of the Opposition Steadroy Benjamin and the Venezuelan Ambassador who is the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.