Nambling Notes - May 21, 2008

Update: U.S.-Antigua W.T.O. Dispute

Antigua and Barbuda's finance minister, L. Errol Cort, will meet with U.S. trade representatives Friday, in an effort to resolve the long-running dispute between the island nation and its northern neighbor before the World Trade Organization.

According to Antigua Sun, both parties agreed to suspend the most recent W.T.O. arbitration process until June 6, 2008, "in the hope that this week's meeting will create a framework for an amicable resolution."

Earlier this year, Antigua submitted its resolution proposal and received a counter-proposal from the office of the United States trade representative.

The contents of both proposals were not revealed, and Mr. Cort has repeatedly refused requests from The Sun to speculate on what elements would comprise a minimum acceptable settlement.

If no resolution is reached by June 6, the W.T.O. trade dispute -- midway through its fourth year -- will resume.

888 Holdings (London: 146.25p / -3.25p / -2.50%)

Richard Kilsby, the chairman of 888 Holdings, said the company has taken momentum generated by first-quarter growth in net gaming revenue into the second quarter.

In a prepared statement released ahead of Wednesday's annual shareholders' meeting, Mr. Kilsby said second-quarter growth is being driven by casino and bingo performance, as well as innovation in game development, integration and partnership deals.

Mr. Kilsby said the company remains confident of "delivering further growth in 2008."