It is my distinct honour, on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, to be here at this important juncture in our history, to take up the mantle of Chairmanship of this esteemed Council. I am particularly pleased, as I had the privilege, several years ago, to participate in the constructive dialogue and management of trade and economic development issues across the Region within the aegis of this Council’s predecessor.

After spending millions of dollars over the past decade fighting the free exchange of their products over the Internet, some media companies are now yielding. The best way to get something in return, they are deciding, may be to accept that consumers want to play but few seem to want to pay. If enough of them join the game, there can still be a payback — either from consumers themselves or, increasingly, from advertisers.