November 6, 2010 -- A special programme being prepared to mark 100 years of State House will give further opportunities for people to learn more about this historic building.

"The programme will be made available soon," said chief press secretary Srdjana Janosevic in the Office of the President.

She was responding to a letter from Frank Ally published in the Seychelles Nation newspaper of November 5 under the heading "Now State House should be opened to the public".

Janosevic replied that State House already has an open-door policy whereby individuals and groups who are interested in visiting this important national monument can write a request to the Office of the President to seek permission.

"Guided visits are arranged in cooperation with the National Heritage Section of the Department of Culture. Many people have benefited from this policy and will continue to do so," said Janosevic's response published on November 6.

Ally, in his letter to the editor, was reacting to the news that the Maison Queau de Quinssy  -- which is the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - was for the first time in our history, open its doors to the public. He noted that at least State House represents more history to us that Maison Queau de Quinssy. He suggested that State House is opened to the public at least once every year.