The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde visited the Creole Institute, Domaine de Val des Près heritage site and the Maison Marengo Restaurant yesterday morning.

The President was welcomed at the Creole Institute by its Chief executive Officer, Mrs Marie Flora Ben David and Principal Secretary for the department of Culture, Mrs Cecile Kalebi. He was given a tour of the main building and proposed site for possible extensions. A national monument, this building has not been in use since 2018, while awaiting for major renovation. President Ramkalawan expressed his disappointment for the fact that this has not materialised after all this time.

President Ramkalawan then proceeded to the ‘Langar Pirog’, for viewing of the beach property, just opposite the Creole Institute. A site being proposed for further projects through a lease agreement with private investors.

The President then continued to the Domaine de Val des Près heritage site where he was welcomed by its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Benjamine Rose and. The delegation visited the former ‘Pomme Cannelle’ restaurant on which renovation works is due to start on Monday, estimated at 500,000 thousand rupees. Once completed, it will be rented out to a private operator through a tender process. He then toured the main house and museum, ‘Lakaz Roza’ as well as the heritage shop.

He then visited the artisanal kiosks where vendors raised pertinent issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that they were receiving limited clients, issues relating to rental fees, request for more lights on the premises and PUC bills, among other constraints.

His visit concluded at the Maison Marengo Restaurant also situated in the craft village owned by young entrepreneur, Mr Kevin Marengo. The restaurant has been in operation since 2018.

At the end of the visit, President Ramkalawan highlighted that it is important to give proper attention to our culture.

“The visits of this morning have given us a better idea on the work that needs to be done on these buildings. I managed to also meet the craft vendors and they have put to my attention their hardships and I have already discussed their issue for rental with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade and a decision has been taken to reduce their rental fee. In these challenging times it is important to give them the necessary support,” said the President.

In relation to the Creole Institute, the President informed that the necessary is being done so that renovation works can be implemented on the building at the soonest.