The new Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts, one of the venues for World Cup Cricket 2007 (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

“Although the returns might not come immediately, the opportunities to have a fabulous event that is going to be seen by millions around the world, is going to result in an infrastructure that creates a legacy for future events, and future business opportunities should not be missed,” the Barbados-based diplomat told the local press corps in St Kitts and Nevis.

Kramer said Caribbean nationals and businessmen should look at the ability to think and plan strategically to take advantage of the opportunities that are available.

Questioned on the accessibility of Caribbean agricultural products to the United States market, Ambassador Kramer said, “There are no tariffs and no barriers for Caribbean people to export their agricultural goods to the US.”

Admitting that subsidies is not only a problem in the United States, but also worldwide, the US diplomat, said Caribbean farmers and manufacturers have access to the United States for their products once they can find a market.

She singled out soap from Dominica and hot sauce from the other islands, which already enjoy access to the US market.

“Agricultural experts need to know that there are no barriers if they can find markets,” said Kramer, who ends a three-year tour of duty shortly