We have now installed and tested a new internet system.  The central installation costs have been covered by the community.  As you are all aware technology moves forward at an alarming pace.  The existing underground system has been in use for several years and has had its hiccups including condensation and animal problems.  It does however, still work and while we can we will continue to support and maintain it.
If however, you would like to be part of the upgrade program onto the new system we can plan a schedule of upgrades over a few months timescale.  It iubnvolves fitting a receiver onto the buildings and a cable down to your existing router.  The existing Develo connection box will then be redundant.
There is obviously a cost to this which we are keeping to a minimum at €150 each, one off cost.
Anyone not connected can have a new installation at a one off cost of €350.
Brian

Palm Tree Removal
On 23.12.2019 we applied to the Ayuntiamento for permission to remove the Weevil effected Trees.  On 27.2.2020 we are still waiting for permission.

Brian

We have renewed our Annual Contract with Iberdrola for our Electrical needs.  The same price as 2019.  No increase for 2020.

Brian

Speaking with the Tree Surgeon yesterday.  It is becoming obvious the problem with Weevils attacking the Trees is more advanced than we had hoped.  Currently we are removing 5 Trees with other Trees showing signs of deterioration.  The Town Hall Trees along the Promenade in front of Playa Bastian are also experiencing similar problems.  Apparently to halt the existing problem the entire Islands Trees need treating at a cost of several million Euros!
Brian

Stephen Fahy, Board Member
Stephen has decided after approximate 10 years on the Board to stand down.  Steve’s contribution in the last Ten Years cannot be underestimated.  At times a thankless task that consumes many hours of work on a voluntary basis.  His help to me has been priceless and this is a very disappointing time.  Also, Carole, Steve’s Wife has spent many hours helping to produce Paperwork and water dockets, throughout the year, for as many years.
Thank you
Brian

Garden Water
As you know the Garden Water now costs the community 3.50€ per cu.meter.  The Maintenance Team have noticed some owners have punched holes in the Pipes so that they have extra water.  Should you require extra holes in the Garden Water Pipe please contact Luis and he will arrange for the Gardeners to fit extra Jets for you.
Thank you
Brian

Last week we lost complete connectivity again for several days.  Having spent hours looking into the problem we found this time that it wasn’t outside sources but our internet being used to create VPN’s on site which block certain IP addresses.

These VPN’s are using UK services such as SKY + boxes which turn the whole network into a UK IP address.  This then blocks the IPTV as its known as being in Spain.
As the IPTV box uses this same address it gets blocked.  On Friday after 5 hours investigation we found 7 VPNs had been created.  Another was created on Saturday.  These IPTV boxes work but as they are stand alone in the TV room no one sits watching it to select another channel.  Due to this we have decided to stop using IPTV to provide SKY Sports main event.  In future you will have BBC1, BBC 2, ITV, CH 4, CH 5, BBC World News and hopefully SKY News.

If you wish to have IPTV within your own premises our Community Wi Fi/Internet service is now capable of supporting this.
We suggest you purchase your own IPTV box and yearly subscription.  These vary in price but one we suggest trying is John Barry Reynolds on 0034 711001858.  The box can be purchased for 40 euro and full IPTV service for 75 euro per annum or basically less one months UK Sky subscription.  Whatever you decide to do it must be a Spanish Box NOT a UK one.

Currently a few property’s are creating this problem.  Currently 7 known property’s.  Should the main event channel go down again we will have to leave the channel off.
Should the internet cause problems in the morning this could be due to the Dew and Condensation first thing.  Within the hour it should have dried and be working again.

Thank you
Brian 

Yesterday we had a meeting with the Cabildo ref Palm Trees dying of disease.  So far 4 have been identified as needing removal.  This is only the start of the investigation.  Also many will need to be shaped by the Tree Surgeon and total cost as yet unknown.
Eventually this will prove to be an expensive operation subject to results of remaining trees.  Shaping cost 30€ per meter. 

In the opinion of the Cabildo the Canaries Tree population will be decimated in 10 years unless action across the Island is taken to prevent the current situation spreading.  Several areas on the Island are already infected.

Brian

I regret to have to inform you all that Joyce Norton passed away suddenly and we send our condolences to the Family and friends of Joyce.

Brian

Yesterday Alexis the Tree Surgeon, discovered 2 Palm Trees with beetle infestation.  The trees are considered dangerous and need taking down.
We have roped off the areas around the trees.  Filled out the required Forms for felling the Trees and now we have to wait for the Ayuntiamento to inspect the two Trees.

Brian