Why Antigua’s liberal approach to bitcoin is good news for Caribbean

Bitcoin is poised to make waves in the Caribbean, thanks to the open-minded government of Antigua & Barbuda.

The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda wants to draft new laws governing the use of bitcoin on the twin island nation. But instead of hindering the use of digital currencies, the government is looking to give bitcoin legal recognition—potentially placing the country “on the cutting edge of this new technology.”

Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs EP Chet Greene told The Daily Observer: “This new currency is immutable; you can always go and trace transactions, so in the context of allegations of our country being involved in tax havens, it allows for better traceability.”

Aside from helping put an end to Caribbean’s reputation as a hub for money laundering, Greene said bitcoin will also be a boon to the country’s iGaming sector.