VICTORIA, Seychelles — Stephane Banane, owner of Glorious Bakery, told a press conference on Wednesday morning at the bakery’s town outlet that the La Digue branch has been forced to close, blaming a series of lease and licensing setbacks that the family-run business was unable to resolve despite years of effort. He said the family had invested heavily in the La Digue branch after taking it over and had hoped to keep it running as a service to the inner island community. We have tried to resolve the situation, and to remain quiet to find solutions so we can reopen as soon as possible, but it is clear that things are not improving, Mr Banane said.
Mr Banane explained that the bakery’s current management was approached with an offer to take over the La Digue branch about four or five years ago, and that at the time the move looked like a good opportunity to establish a presence on the inner island. He said significant sums were invested in renovations once the business was acquired, with the aim of maintaining the bakery’s legacy for the La Digue community. Negotiations were then opened to secure a lease, but complications soon arose. Mr Banane claimed the government was unresponsive to requests, leaving the bakery in a difficult position without a lease.
Mr Banane said that, with the passing of the original leaseholder, the heirs had opted for an exchange with the government and were offered a sizeable plot in Perseverance. Frustrated by rumours that the government was considering returning the property to the family, the bakery sought a direct meeting with Minister Billy Rangasamy. A meeting was arranged about four to five months ago, during which Mr Banane emphasised the bakery’s importance to the La Digue community. He claimed the minister seemed uncomfortable with the idea of reissuing the lease to the family.
When the former proprietors’ licence came up for renewal, the property owners withdrew their support, and the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) rejected the bakery’s renewal application on the grounds of incomplete documents, even after the bakery had secured occupancy for the space. Mr Banane also revealed that the SLA has not arranged a meeting in the days since the outlet was closed. The situation worsened on Monday when the bakery was informed that the licence for the La Digue bottled-water distribution business under the name Sodepak would not be renewed either.
Ahmed Nibourette, the supervisor at Glorious Bakery in La Digue, said the bakery had been inundated with calls from local customers and clients who depend on the bakery’s fresh produce. Lorna Ladouce, a regular customer, said the bakery played a crucial role for many residents, serving not only as a bread provider but as a source for all their daily meals while at work. With the facility offering various fast food options, its closure has left residents with fewer choices and some more expensive alternatives. Both the bakery and its customers expressed hope for a speedy resolution that would allow the La Digue branch to reopen.
