So says outgoing United States Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis and the Eastern Caribbean, Her Excellency Mrs. Mary Kramer, who is also suggesting further diversification of the local economy to sustain revenue growth.

The Barbados-based diplomat told the St. Kitts and Nevis Press Corps she has seen significant growth in the tourism economy of the islands of the Eastern Caribbean that she is accredited to.

"I like the way you (Eastern Caribbean) are picking up niches. I see Dominica with their eco-tourism. I see St. Kitts developing not only this property (Marriott), but other properties than can take advantage of some of the economies of scale that go between," she said.

Kramer, who was on a farewell visit, described the several medical schools on St. Kitts and Nevis as "terrific education institutions that are genuine economic opportunities and engines for economic growth."

Five of the six medical schools - Saint Theresa's Medical School, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, International University of the Health Sciences, Windsor University School of Medicine and the Robert Ross International University of Nursing are based on St. Kitts. The Medical University of the Americas is on Nevis.

The US diplomat suggested further diversification of the local economy "so it is not all the eggs in the basket of tourism."

"There is need for further diversification of the service industries and the light manufacturing sector, which is good."

"That needs to be diversified a bit. That is a small concern that I have,"

said Ambassador Kramer, who paid farewell visits to Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L.

~~Adz:Right~~Douglas and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.

Ambassador Kramer also said that St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States and the Caribbean "are good neighbours and will continue to be good neighbours."

"The leaders in these countries and the leaders in my country respect one another," said Kramer, who also attended a swearing-in ceremony for the largest number of Peace Corps volunteers in St. Kitts and Nevis.