A new policy on culture is currently being finalised, it was announced Tuesday July 8.

Answering questions in the National Assembly, Local Government, Sports and Culture Minister Sylvette Pool explained that over the past three months her ministry had been working on a new strategy which would give a fresh boost to the development of culture in the country.

Minister Pool was answering a question by Honourable Ansley Constance, the MNA for Inner-Islands, about plans to develop and preserve the country's arts and culture, and encourage more vibrant cultural programmes at community level.

The new policy, Minister Pool said, would further decentralise cultural programmes and encourage wider participation at district level. The new policy will also promote training for animators.

It will see the creation of a new unit within the ministry with the principal aim of preserving the country's cultural values and assets.

In response to another question by the same MNA with regards to the preservation of traditional Creole architecture, Minister Pool said a census had already been carried out on La Digue to identify sites considered part of the Creole heritage. Pointing out that on that island alone 106 sites had been identified for preservation, the minister said the exercise would in due course cover all areas on Praslin and Mahe.

The Assembly also learned that the Anse Royale market had been transformed into a shop. This came in answer to a question by Honourable Hardy Lucas.

Minister Pool said the market was being used by fishermen who preferred to continue selling their fish by the roadside.

The new shop which has been leased to a farmer from that district, is now selling meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, spices and other items.

However in future depending on demand, the district could get a new market, she noted, adding that there was land available for such a project.

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