Public hearings in the Assomption Island hotel development inquiry resumed on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The commission continues to investigate the hotel development project on Assomption Island.
Commissioner Dr Mathilda Twomey said the commission remained active while public hearings paused.
“We were not on a break. We were working,” she said.
Dr Twomey explained that some witnesses refused to testify during televised hearings. She said several people requested anonymity when giving evidence before the commission.
“Some witnesses refuse to come live on TV to testify before the commission and want to maintain their anonymity. The commission needs to accommodate these people,” she said.
She added that the commission must follow its mandate. Its role is to investigate the hotel development and produce a report.
“The commission takes its investigation seriously. If we need to do it in anonymity, we will do it,” she said.
Dr Twomey said witnesses can give evidence privately. She said their testimony will still appear in the final report, even if the commission does not identify them.
Meanwhile, Dr Twomey confirmed that part of the investigation continues outside the country. She travelled to South Africa to meet a forensic auditor analysing several accounts linked to the inquiry.
“I also went to South Africa to meet with my forensic auditor who has started to analyse several accounts that will reflect in our report what we have uncovered,” she said.
However, she said only a few witnesses remain willing to testify in public.
“To tell you the truth, there are not many witnesses left who want to come in public,” she said.
Dr Twomey added that some individuals fear losing their jobs if they appear before the commission.
She also raised concerns about the treatment of a witness who previously gave evidence.
“In fact we were a bit disappointed because one organisation victimised a witness who appeared before the commission to give evidence,” she said.
Dr Twomey said she wrote to the organisation involved.
“I wrote a letter to the organisation to reprimand them. I will not let this happen. If it continues, there will be a chilling effect where people would not want to come forward to give evidence,” she said.
Dr Twomey also addressed questions about the Indian-assisted coast guard facility planned for Assomption Island.
She said the commission’s terms of reference do not include investigating a naval base.
“My terms of reference do not mention a naval base,” she said.
However, she said the commission will refer to the history of development on the island.
“When we look at how the development took place, looking back in history, there was already a military facility on Assomption with Seychellois military. I will make reference to that,” she said.
Dr Twomey added that evidence presented before the commission by environmentalists and scientists should be considered for any future development on the island.
“I have not been asked to investigate a naval base on the island. However, what has been said before the commission should be taken into consideration when building the coast guard facility,” she said.
The commission will continue hearing witnesses this week and next week.
Dr Twomey said the commission will interview several people during this period. She added that the commission may also hear evidence from a forensic analyst who will present a report. An evaluator may also give evidence.
The inquiry must conclude before a set deadline. Dr Twomey said she must submit the final report by 8 June 2026.
“We have a preliminary report, but I want to put everything in writing to submit it on the 8th of June. I have all the intention to submit it on the 8th of June,” she said.