The technological revolution at the end of the 20th century is magnificently reflected in what we refer to as the information society. The phenomenon of the Internet has increased our possibilities for communication to an extent that was unthinkable only a few years ago, inviting us, we could almost say obliging us, to employ the tools it affords in order to break down the barriers presented by distance and come closer to one another in a fraternal manner.
We became a part of the global village in 1996, when the Council of Tenerife launched its first web page, on an experimental level, providing information on the island. This page was the antecedent of substantial subsequent development, with the creation of a powerful server that maintains an extensive and varied offer on the "network of networks".
The comprehensive renovation and extension of the Council's presence on this medium was undertaken with two clear objectives: bringing our services closer to citizens and increasing the levels of transparency, an inherent characteristic of any modern democracy. Indeed, we could also refer to a third objective: opening a window on to Tenerife for the world at large.
The Council is currently making efforts to convert this medium into a veritable portal for the provision of services, aimed both at the citizens of Tenerife and any individual from anywhere in the world who wants to become better acquainted with Tenerife and its peoples. We hope to ensure that the inhabitants of the island have up-to-date information on the activities, assistance and support offered by the Council and that citizens take full advantage of these facilities. However, we are also working to ensure better and more widespread awareness of the island, not only as a privileged tourist location, but also as an ideal destination for investment.
Moreover, our presence on the Internet represents an attempt to provide a platform to gather opinions, complaints and suggestions, enabling the Government of the island to have a better understanding of the demands of the citizens of Tenerife. I urge you all to express your opinions, complaints or suggestions, armed with the certainty that your case will be dealt with by the corresponding management centre. I also recommend that you employ the telephone line of the Citizen Services Centre, a facility that we have gradually developed over the years.
I welcome you to this space dedicated to the Council and the island of Tenerife, which we will endeavour to improve on a daily basis, constantly incorporating new content and possibilities.
Ricardo Melchior Navarro
President of the Council of Tenerife
