On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, I thank Mr. Stephen Bereaux for the distinction with which he represented our country in Doha. In the final ballot for Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Stephen earned the support of 85 Member States, finishing just five votes behind Mr. Adel Darwish of Bahrain. I had hoped to see Stephen elected, and I am proud of him.
I want to give special thanks to the team behind Stephen’s campaign. They worked hard to make the case for his candidacy, much of it out of public view. The support Stephen earned in Doha reflects their work as well as his. To everyone who gave their time and energy to this campaign, you have my personal thanks.
For small island developing states like The Bahamas, the decisions taken at the Union have consequences close to home. We know what it takes to connect communities separated by miles of open water. We know what a working phone line means to a family trying to reach a loved one after a hurricane. Stephen brought that understanding to his candidacy, along with the experience he gained leading our Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority and serving at the Union’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
My Government will continue to support Bahamians who step forward for international leadership. Small island developing states deserve a voice in the rooms where decisions are made, and our people have the experience to help lead those discussions. I hope a young Bahamian following this election sees in Stephen’s example a place for someone like them at that table.
I thank the countries that placed their confidence in Stephen and congratulate Mr. Darwish on his election. The Bahamas looks forward to working with him to make communications more affordable and reliable for island communities around the world.
Stephen, you represented our country with dignity and gave voice to the concerns we share with other island nations. You and your team have every reason to be proud.