It never ceases to amaze real investors why respected organisations trot out the so-called "Doing Business" type reports, which contain soothing words of comfort that mask a nation's potential suitability for foreign direct investment.

It comes as no surprise that Moody’s Investors Service has slashed its rating of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) from AAA to AA1.

Antigua & Barbuda sets great store on the due diligence it claims to carry out before issuing a passport to a foreign national.

After sixteen months of power, The Government of Antigua & Barbuda, led by the United Progressive Party under the stewardship of the Honourable Baldwin Spencer, has once again sent mixed signals on its adoption of international good practice with regard to foreign direct investment.

It is significant that during his recent visit to Antigua, Mr. Augustin Carstens, Deputy Director, International Monetary Fund stressed, "Clearing longstanding arrears would go a long way toward normalising - and facilitating access to - regular financing. This will also help private investment and spur growth".

As regulators in the Caribbean and Latin America scramble to cope with the shock announcements that powerful United States Authorities are investigating a significant financial institution with a major presence in the region, are they fit for purpose?

Yet again the Government of Antigua & Barbuda is reaching new frontiers of disrepute.

Dr. Errol Cort, Minister of Finance, has announced once again that Treasury Bills issued by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda have been highly successful.

Once again, international observers have noted that Antigua & Barbuda is no longer a destination of choice for Foreign Direct Investment.

Another senior, long-standing international banking brand is abandoning Antigua.

According to the old adage, you are judged by the company you keep and your behaviour towards others. Money is no different. Arguably, this explains Antigua & Barbuda’s failure to attract sound foreign direct investment.

While legitimate foreign investors are taking their money elsewhere, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has been quietly attracting a new source of financial underpinning.