State House reopened |29 May 2007

It was President James Michel, accompanied by his wife Natalie, who cut the tape to officially open the building, which was built in 1910 and is now one of the important monuments of Seychelles.

Among the guests who witnessed the reopening were Vice-President Joseph Belmont, former President James Mancham, Cabinet Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and of the judiciary, top civil servants, clerics and key private sector players.

Also present were school children and senior citizens.

Speaking before the official opening, the director general for presidential affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, said that among the key reasons for the renovation was to protect the building as a key piece of Seychelles heritage and to promote it as a national symbol, noting that the structure is approaching its 100 years of existence.

He said that the idea of renovating it originated from President Michel, who has all along had an input and interest in the work as it progressed.

He said that whilst the main features have been retained, changing climate has made it necessary to incorporate air conditioners, and modern telecommunication equipment have been added to keep pace with the times.

Mr Adam told Nation that groups of school children have been visiting State House through arrangements made by the division of culture, and that these will be stepped up to facilitate the young Seychellois’ further familiarization with the history surrounding State House.

Local historian Odile Jean-Louis gave a speech in which she outlined the history behind State House, details of which we hope to publish this week.

After the opening, President Michel and the guests were taken around the building by National Institute of Education students of history, and also viewed an exhibition with black and white pictures which record key developments at State House over the years.

Notable singers referred by master of ceremony Ayub Appoo as the “White Angels” sang the National Anthem, and also the number entitled, “Pour en Sel Sesel.”