GambiaGTUG (Google Technolgy User Groups) are for developers who are interested in Google's developer technology. The group comes together quarterly in a year to learn about Google Technologies. The lecturers of the Google services can be from GTUG Managers from other parts of the world or from Google staffs. GTUG is recognized by Google, the company but it is completely independent from it.
The Information Technology Association of the Gambia, through support from Google and Gambia.com hosted and launched The Google Technology User Group on the 28th of December 2011.
The event was opened by the Deputy Director for ICT at the Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure (MOICI), Mr Lamin Camara on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Madam Nancy Niang who sent her apologies as she has to attend another assignment.
Mr Lamin Camara dilated on the importance of having a google technology user group in the Gambia to spearhead application development especially with the coming of the Africa Coast to Europe Cable. He Commended ITAG for its initiative in ICT development in the Gambia.
The event also saw presentations by Gambia.com a co sponsor of the event on its online platform that showcases and advertise the Gambia worldwide from Tourism to general businesses. Gambia.com co founders Mr Sarkis Salleh and Nassif Elhajj gave the presentations on behalf of Gambia.com
Other presenters where Katim S Touray a former ICANN Board member who gave a presentation of the new generic top level domains to be launched by ICANN on the 12th of January 2012.
Poncelet Ileleji, ITAG President and Organizer of GTUG Gambia chapter launched the GTUG Gambia Chapter by giving an overview of the GTUG and the various benefits it can benefit developers in the Gambia.
The Last presenter was Seedy Bensouda of INSIST Global who gave a presentation on web Application and a complete overview of the various platforms that can be used in application development.
Participants at the event ranged from a cross section of developers, businesses, Ministry of Information Communication and Infastrcture personnel and IT companies in attendance and ITAG Executives. Kalifa Faal, a Managing Partner at New Century Limited, chaired the event.
Gambia.com the event local sponsor has promised to sponsor GTUG Gambia chapter event on a quarterly basis during GTUG event meetings. The sponsors gave out Gambia.com sponsored GTUG tee shirts other goodies from ITAG included Free ITAG pens and stickers from google Africa offices. Seafront Residence Hotel in Bijilo, the venue of the event served hot snacks and launch during the event. The event was heralded as a success and ITAG looks forward to working with Gambia.com in for future GTUG Gambia events .