VICTORIA, Seychelles — The National Assembly formally approved the Seychelles Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026 on Tuesday, abolishing the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts and returning constituent institutions under direct Ministry purview.
Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein presented the bill, describing it as a historical reform repositioning culture at national development’s centre. She explained that duplication and transparency concerns in SNICHA’s management weakened cultural institutions and diminished their government platform influence.
The government has taken decisive action to replace SNICHA with a modern governance framework more receptive, responsible, and aligned with national vision. The reform revisits legislation to address heritage protection gaps, including forthcoming bills on national monuments.
The bill establishes five key bodies: Seychelles Creole Institute for linguistic and cultural development, Seychelles Arts and Crafts Agency for emerging artists and artisans, Seychelles Creative Agency for creative industries, Seychelles Museum, Archives and Library Authority for operational structures, and Seychelles Heritage Agency for national heritage safeguarding.
United Seychelles majority members expressed strong support for artists, creatives, and artisans. Opposition leader Hon. Bernard Georges questioned whether the bill merely replaced an LDS-era law rather than introducing substantive reform.
The bill passed as amended with 11 votes in favour, 10 abstentions, and none against.
