Commission of Inquiry on Assomption |12 March 2026

Three more witnesses testify

By Mandy Bertin

The Commission of Inquiry into the lease and development of Assomption Island heard three additional testimonies yesterday.

Testimony of Benjamine Rose

The first witness was Benjamine Rose, head of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council (SNHRC). She explained how the council compiles its list of heritage buildings, noting that sites declared under the Act are listed as national monuments, while others may be added if they meet the required criteria.

Ms Rose highlighted that council officers conduct site visits for maintenance, evaluation, and monitoring. Generally, a structure must be over 50 years old, in good condition, and of national significance to qualify as a monument.

She added that inventories are carried out on islands where feasible and financially possible, with Mahé, Silhouette, La Digue, Praslin, and Curieuse already surveyed. However, she confirmed that no inventory has been conducted on Assomption Island.

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