President Wavel Ramkalawan had the honour alongside the Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Mr. Naadir Hassan, and SRC’s Commissioner General, Mrs. Veronique Herminie of laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) building. The ceremony took place yesterday morning at the ICCS carpark, which coincides with the 46th Anniversary of Seychelles' Independence.

The ceremony was also highlighted by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque by the President accompanied by the SRC Board Member, Mr. Serge Durup.

In his welcoming remarks at the ceremony, Minister Hassan said that today’s ceremony marks an important chapter for the SRC. A project that he confirmed will be undertaken by the Green Island Construction Company (GICC). He underlined that the new building will allow SRC to provide a better service to its customers as all its services will be found under one roof.

“The different locations that SRC is presently renting had shown us the difficulties that its directorate face to bring its entire staff together and to deliver on their mandate. Annually, SRC is spending more than 22 million rupees only on rentals and this has a negative impact on the collection of taxes. Now, this money will be used to invest in the repayment of the line of credit that GICC will be taking, after the completion of the building,” said the Minister.

He took the opportunity to commend the staff of the SRC for their hard work and expressed hope that the new building with a better working environment will give them more motivation in their pursuits.

During the ceremony, President Ramkalawan and other distinguished had the opportunity to have a brief about the building concept and architectural design as well as to view a mock-up video of the SRC building, by its architect; Mr. Vincent Ahtime.

The proposed concept for the SRC building is fluid, taking influence by the natural elements as well as structures that surround it so as not to look out of place. Furthermore, Sustainable design and innovation have been a priority in designing the building that comprises a basement floor for parking and ground plus five floors that will allow SRC to provide a better service to its customers. 

The SRC’s TESD Director, Ms. Sheryl Barra launched the competition of the SRC’s logo and the name of the building. There was also poem by Mr. Tony Joubert and a song interpreted by Travis Julienne entitled ‘Avantou’.

Also present at the ceremony were the First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, Vice President Ahmed Afif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon. Bernard Georges, Ministers, Chief Executive Officer of Green Island Construction Company, Mr. Glenny Savy staff of SRC and GICC, and other distinguished guests.