President Dr Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 28 January. Cabinet approved several legal and policy memoranda during the meeting.
Cabinet approved the repeal of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts Act, 2021. The decision will dissolve the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, known as SNICHA.
Cabinet also endorsed major reforms to the governance framework for culture, arts and national heritage. It authorised the drafting of a new Seychelles Culture, Arts and National Heritage Bill. The proposed law will place cultural institutions under stronger ministerial oversight within the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Cabinet said the reform will strengthen governance, accountability and coordination across the cultural sector.
Cabinet approved the re-establishment of the National Monuments Board under the Seychelles National Monuments Act of 1980. It also endorsed a revised structure for the Culture Department to strengthen policy leadership, accountability and operational efficiency.
The former government established SNICHA as a self-governing and independent body under the authority of the Head of State. The institute acted as the highest policy-making body for culture, heritage and the arts in Seychelles.
Article 39 of the Constitution of Seychelles defined the institute’s mandate. The article recognises the right of every person to take part in cultural life. It also commits the State to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Seychellois people.
SNICHA formulated national policies on culture, heritage and the arts. It advised government and administered recognition awards. The institute also managed grants and funds, regulated artists and performers, and promoted culture at national and international levels.
The institute’s policy vision promoted national pride in culture, heritage and diversity. It emphasised unity through a shared Creole identity, as reflected in the preamble of the Constitution.
Following the repeal of the Act, the government will redefine cultural governance through new legislation. Revised institutional arrangements will place the sector under ministerial oversight.