SEYCHELLES GOVERNMENT MOVES TO PROTECT HISTORIC BUILDINGS
(Posted 20th March 2014)
The Seychelles government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is working on a new scheme aimed to benefit owners of historic buildings to preserve them as landmarks not just in Victoria but across the islands, including some of the plantation buildings.
Tax benefits, outright subsidies as well as other measures will be used as intervention tools to assist building owners find the necessary funds to restore their buildings and keep them in good working order.
A shining example of such buildings is Kenwyn House, notably located directly opposite the Ministry of Tourism and Culture building, which has been lovingly restored and is now used as an art gallery, book and souvenir shop for tourist visitors who regularly stop to take pictures of the building, one of the most photographed landmarks in Victoria after the Clocktower in the centre of the capital.
Word from a regular source has it that the ministry has already identified over two dozen buildings and been in contact with the owners to get them on board and map out the way forward, clearly with an eye on turning those old style buildings into tourism attractions in line with boosting the cultural heritage of the archipelago and showcasing it to the world. Closely involved will be the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, which already keeps an eye on a number of preserved buildings including the one presently housing the International Creole Institute or sites like Mission Lodge, which awaiting acceptance by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
This latest scheme however to provide financial and tax incentives to owners of buildings important to maintain as part of the archipelago’s heritage is new and already receiving positive reviews from parties concerned with maintaining the cultural and historical identity of the Seychelles for future generations.
Seychelles, truly Another World.
