The statement quoted by Bevan Springer of Media Exchange, says the official will address next week´s Trinidad sesion of the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMExPress).

Roper said major sporting events such as World Cups –football, cricket and rugby- are huge opportunities for countries or groups of countries to showcase themselves on the international scene to a worldwide audience.

But he warns, "they must be well run," noting that Montreal (1976) and Atlanta (1996) Olympics both entered into huge debts and finished with tarnished reputations.

The Olympics in Barcelona, Spain (1992) and Sydney, Australia (2000), and World Cup Football in Seoul, South Korea (2002) on the other hand are three recent examples of successful hosting of major events, boosting cities' international reputations.

Roper notes that the 2007 World Cricket Cup is a crucial opportunity for Caribbean countries to promote themselves, their energy, creativity and international competitiveness.

Backed by his ten years as a senior Government Minister, Roper said the event must also be integrated into the region's economic strategy.

Since his retirement from the Victorian Parliament (Australia), Tom Roper has been an active Board Member of the Washington D.C.-based Climate Institute, an advisor to government, business and NGOs on sustainability issues.

He is the Project Director of the Global Islands Energy Initiative which provides assistance to Small Island States seeking to introduce renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

By: Prensa-Latina