H.E. Mr Alhaji Abdoul-ie Cham Minister, Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure Mr. Chairman, the Government of The Gambia under the dynamic leadership of our dear President, Sheikh Professor Alh. Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh, recognizes the pivotal role ITU plays in shaping the global com-munications landscape of our universe. The holding of the Connect the World initiatives and the Global Telecommunication Symposium among others are sig-nificant milestones that have contributed in not only laying the foundation but increasing ICT uptake and reach. ICTs are helping shape our peoples lives and fa-cilitate development in mostly our developing nations and broadening opportunities for our present and fu-ture generations. In The Gambia, we have made significant strides in making communication services available and acces-sible to our people. Our internet backbone has been strengthened through a cross border terrestrial link with Senegal to access capacity on SAT-3 submarine ca-ble. We are participating in the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine system in our pursuit to have our own landing station with direct access to 22 other coun-tries from France to South Africa. This project which is expected to complete in the first half of 2012 will enhance our infrastructure and reach and also make communication more reliable and affordable. We have 4 mobile operators that have covered over 85% of our country with total subscriber base of over a million people within a population of just over 1.6 million. Mr. Chairman; Colleague Ministers and Heads of Delegations; Secretary General, ITU; Your Excellencies, Distinguishes Delegates; I wish to first of all extend my sincere apprecia-tion Mr. Chairman, my delegation wish to recognize the significant strides ITU has taken to make sure the po-tentials of new technological developments are con-tinually explored and their adoption maximized for the benefit of all and sundry. In that regard, we call on the ITU to further consolidate and extend its work, support and assistance to member states especially developing and small island states in the area of dig-ital and gratitude to the Government and people of Mexico for the warm and cordial hospitality accorded me and my delegation. I would also like to congratu-late the Chairman of the Conference for his appoint-ment to steer this Conference. migration, cyber security and capacity building. We 150